BANGKOK, Thailand – Industry Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana has visited Songkhla province to advance a strategy to expand southern curry paste into international markets under his “Break Through, Cut Through, Pull, Push” policy. During his visit to the Ban Chang Kaew Community Curry Paste Enterprise in Khlong Hoi Khong district, he met with local producers and provincial industry officials to discuss upgrading traditional products for global competition.
Thailand’s sauce and seasoning market was valued at about 71 billion baht in 2025, with curry paste representing a fast-growing segment. Southern curry paste, known for its bold flavors and aromatic herbs, has gained popularity in Malaysia, Singapore, the Middle East, Australia, and Europe, driven by demand from overseas Thai communities and restaurants. Khlong Hoi Khong serves as a major production base, supported by a network of more than 100 community producers.
Consultations with enterprise members identified several development priorities, including producing powdered curry paste to extend shelf life, upgrading machinery, and improving facilities to meet GHP and GMP standards. Producers are also seeking to expand their ready-to-cook product offerings and strengthen their online and export distribution channels.
Under Thanakorn’s policy framework, authorities plan to address production constraints, lower structural costs, expand market access, and support certification processes, including Community Product Standards, FDA approval, and Halal certification. (NNT)
