Mr. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, revealed that consumer behavior has clearly changed, with a greater value placed on products possessing unique identities, storytelling, and reflecting local characteristics. This presents a significant economic opportunity, enabling community businesses to create added value from their cultural assets, wisdom, and creativity without limits. The Department of Business Development has continuously driven and upskilled entrepreneurs through the SMART Local Clinic and SMART Local Camp activities. These programs help equip them with essential digital-age skills such as branding, product storytelling, designing engaging customer experiences, and techniques for product display and negotiation. This ensures the strong and sustainable growth of community businesses in the modern market. This year, 137 entrepreneurs applied and received consultations at the SMART Local Clinic, and 42 entrepreneurs from the third cohort of SMART Local ME-D have successfully completed the incubation and development programs, enabling them to significantly upgrade and expand their businesses.

Event Highlights: 1) Launching the ‘SUNS Day Trip’ and experiencing a captivating journey through community product markets, showcasing the charm of Thai communities through the concept of “The Journey of Sunshine Throughout the Day.” This connects lifestyles, identities, and contemporary products from four pilot provinces: Sukhothai, Ubon Ratchathani, Nan, and Satun, creating a unique customer experience. 2) Special Talk: Hear fresh ideas on the topic “Journey through Local Stories: From the Charm of Thai Communities…to New-Era Inspiration,” featuring Professor Pai Chatchapimuk Jinaphan, an expert in branding and leveraging community value into business opportunities, in a discussion with Can Atiruj Kittipattana, a Channel 3 presenter and news anchor, who will share exclusive perspectives on shining a spotlight on the charm of Thai communities to create new economic opportunities. 3) Award Ceremony: Congratulations and celebration of the success of the SMART Local ME-D community entrepreneurs (Generation 3) and entrepreneurs participating in the ‘SUNS Day Trip’.

Department of Business Development "We believe that the key to success for Thai community businesses doesn't lie solely in the quality of their products. 'Storytelling,' 'identity,' and 'creativity' are also crucial weapons for creating differentiation and sustainably adding value in the market. The Department is ready to be a vital driving force for Thai community businesses to confidently move towards the new economic era," Director-General Poonpong concluded. For more information, please contact the Regional and Community Business Division, Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, at 0 2547 5950, Call Center 1570, or visit the Department of Business Development website at www.dbd.go.th #SuperDBD #DepartmentofBusinessDevelopment #MinistryofCommerce

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