The Minister of Industry visited 10 model community enterprise groups, emphasizing the need to upgrade product standards for export to the global market.
On 25 February 2026, at Samakkhi Witthaya Municipal School in Maha Sarakham Province, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, Minister of Industry, along with Ms. Nattinya Netayasupa, Director-General of the Department of Industrial Promotion, and executive officials, conducted an inspection visit to meet entrepreneurs and review community enterprise operations. Mr. Chumpit Dejrat, Governor of Maha Sarakham Province, welcomed the delegation.
During this visit, Thanakorn and his team toured products from 10 outstanding community enterprise groups across various sectors, including agriculture and food processing groups such as Khok Ko Dairy Cooperative, Zen & Kosum Interfoods Co., Ltd. (ZKC), and Thung Na Thong Agro-Tourism Group; herbal and beverage groups like Rai Pa Ruay and SKY Wine; textile and handicraft groups including Ban Pa Pao Reed Mat Weavers, Ban Don Mong Cotton Processing Group, and Ban Tha Tum Garment Sewing Group.
Thanakorn revealed that community enterprises are a key mechanism to drive the grassroots economy. The Ministry of Industry focuses on strengthening them by upgrading production standards, including the Community Product Standard (CPS), FDA standards, and Halal certification, to guarantee quality and safety. Concurrently, packaging is being modernized while preserving local identity, enabling these groups to win the OTOP 5-star award.
"Elevating to international standards will help create sustainable income returning to the community. Amid industrial changes, the government prioritizes grassroots development under the 'Breakthrough, Fight, Pull, Push' policy to ensure community enterprises grow steadily and sustainably," Thanakorn said.