Warawut led a delegation to Udonthani Province to exchange views with the industrial sector, affirming that the Ministry of Industry will serve as a strong support for entrepreneurs.
On 19 June 2026 in Udonthani Province, Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, along with senior officials from the Ministry, chaired an event to gather and exchange opinions to promote the industrial sector among local entrepreneurs. This forum provided an opportunity for entrepreneurs and relevant agencies to voice their problems and obstacles in order to collaboratively develop sustainable solutions for the industrial sector. Attending were Ms. Buangern Rodkhanmuang, MP for District 5, and Mr. Adisak Kaewmungkhunsap, MP for District 6 from the Bhumjaithai Party, along with senior Ministry officials.
Warawut said in his opening remarks that the visit to Udonthani to meet local entrepreneurs was intended to communicate and exchange information with SMEs, emphasizing that future economic development must consider new trade competition dimensions. Unlike before, where profit and loss were the main focus, foreign markets—especially in Europe—now impose environmental conditions, such as whether companies cause distress to local residents, engage in deforestation, or properly treat wastewater before release. Thus, traditional competition based solely on price and quality is no longer sufficient.
"If SMEs can grow and strengthen their business operations, the country's GDP will grow accordingly. However, if they fall behind foreign competitors and cannot generate profits, GDP will not grow. The Ministry of Industry's responsibility is to collaborate with various agencies to help SMEs compete in new markets."
Warawut stated that the Ministry of Industry brought personnel and agencies to meet entrepreneurs, not only providing access to credit and funding to survive crises but also equipping them with knowledge to compete in markets, including carbon credits and cybersecurity. These factors require SMEs to possess knowledge on par with large Thai enterprises. The challenge is not just financial capital but also acquiring knowledge.
"The Ministry of Industry will be the tailwind supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs in Udonthani Province. This aligns with the policy of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also Minister of Interior, who often emphasizes that small players must be able to survive because the growth of all groups strengthens the national economy. Therefore, the Ministry will provide knowledge 'vitamins' and will also assist in online sales promotion. We acknowledge that Udonthani is rich both above and below ground, with mineral resources that have the potential to drive Thailand's economic progress."