BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai presided over the opening of “Royal Inspiration: Thai Arts and Crafts – OTOP Uniting Hearts Through Royal Grace” 2025 on August 11 at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Nonthaburi province. The event honors Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, for her dedication to preserving and promoting Thai handicrafts while advancing the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) program toward greater global recognition.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, OTOP entrepreneurs, and partner organizations. Guests toured artisan craft displays, Thai fabric exhibitions, and royal tribute showcases, and enjoyed cultural performances. The event also highlighted the SUPPORT Foundation, established under royal patronage, to help rural communities earn income through traditional crafts and improve the quality of life in remote areas.
Phumtham underscored the government’s goal of reducing poverty and improving livelihoods by expanding access to opportunities nationwide. He credited OTOP with generating sustainable employment and income, enabling communities to produce high-quality goods that meet both domestic and international demand while preserving cultural heritage.
Plans for the program include enhancing producers’ skills, expanding marketing channels, safeguarding heritage crafts such as weaving, silverwork, and goldsmithing, and modernizing product designs to appeal to younger consumers. OTOP fairs are viewed as vital platforms to connect local producers with buyers in Thailand and overseas, generating revenue and strengthening Thailand’s cultural influence globally.
The event is being held from August 9 to 17, 2025, at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, welcoming both Thai and international visitors. Purchases made at the fair go directly to local producers, providing income to communities and strengthening the grassroots economy. (NNT)
