The Prime Minister opened OTOP Midyear 2026, urging people not to see it merely as community souvenirs but to recognize it as Made in Thailand products representing value and pride for Thais in the eyes of the world. He called for calm regarding the Thai economy and affirmed that Thailand’s global status is improving.
On 22 June 2026 at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by his wife Thannon Anutin Charnvirakul, presided over the opening ceremony of OTOP Midyear 2026, with the participation of deputy prime ministers and ministers.
The Prime Minister said that every OTOP event reveals the joy and pride of Thai people witnessing the development of Thai products crafted with creativity and continuous innovation. Especially now, after frequent international trips representing the government discussing future industrial technology and innovation, returning to experience local products rooted in Thai community ways and culture reminds us not to forget our origins and brings vitality to familiar, tangible things.
He added that in Thailand, the phrase 'Enjoy Wearing Thai Fabrics,' a royal initiative by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, has become popular, signaling a Thai fabric trend. The government supports promoting production so citizens fully benefit from this royal initiative. He emphasized that promoting Thai fabrics is not just marketing textiles but promoting Thai identity and strengthening the Thailand brand. This charm cannot be replaced by technology-based products. While many similar products exist worldwide, people increasingly seek items with human elements, cultural traces, uniqueness, and meaningful stories.
Therefore, he invited all Thais to share valuable stories through every product and convey pride in our identity through Thai craftsmanship in the OTOP project. He wants people to see OTOP not just as a livelihood promotion or income enhancement program but as creating new Thai entrepreneurs from every subdistrict, district, and province. These products cannot be copied by anyone. The government supports Thai entrepreneurs in using new innovations to develop products for broader markets. He believes OTOP products are no longer just community souvenirs or items bought out of sympathy but represent cultural stories and Thai creativity to the world. The phrase Made in Thailand does not only indicate origin but signifies value, quality, and pride for every Thai.
“People like me cannot stay anywhere more than two hours, but in the past two days, I stayed five to six hours, forced to leave only because of appointments. Last weekend, I walked for four hours and had not yet covered half the restaurants while using the Thai Help Thai Plus program. I have not even visited a fraction of the shops prepared to serve the public. Most importantly, use your rights under Thai Help Thai Plus fully, so you feel you are purchasing goods at lower prices. There is no need to worry about other matters. Thailand’s economic status is improving, and our position on the world stage is rising. It is the government's duty to make things better and ensure the people live in well-being.”
