SMART Local ME-D: Modern Markets with Local Charm

Khaosod•Economy•18d ago

Reader Briefing

Thailand's Department of Business Development empowers community SMEs with digital skills and local branding to thrive in modern markets.

•The Department of Business Development is actively upskilling community entrepreneurs through programs like SMART Local Clinic and SMART Local Camp.
•Consumer demand for unique, story-driven local products presents a significant economic opportunity for community businesses.
•The SMART Local ME-D program has successfully developed 42 entrepreneurs in its third cohort, enhancing their business potential.
•A new creative tourism route, 'SUNS Day Trip', has been launched, transforming community products into contemporary items sourced from four model provinces.

Overview

•The Department of Business Development stated that consumer behavior has shifted towards valuing products with unique identities and local appeal.
•This shift in consumer behavior is seen as a significant economic opportunity for community businesses to create value from cultural assets.
•The Department of Business Development is driving and upskilling entrepreneurs through continuous SMART Local Clinic and SMART Local Camp activities.
•For this year, 137 entrepreneurs applied for consultation in the SMART Local Clinic, and 42 entrepreneurs from the SMART Local ME-D program's third generation completed intensive development.
•The Department organized the 'Community Entrepreneurs Success Path: SMART Local ME-D' event on July 8th to showcase the potential of the third generation of intensively developed community entrepreneurs.
•The event also launched the 'SUNS Day Trip' creative tourism route, aiming to transform community products into contemporary items that meet modern consumer trends.
•The 'SUNS Day Trip' route connects the lifestyle, identity, and contemporary products from four model provinces: Sukhothai, Ubon Ratchathani, Nan, and Satun.
•A Special Talk titled 'Journey through Local Stories from the Charm of Thai Communities... to Inspiration in the New Era' was held by brand expert Ajarn Pai Chatchapimuk Jeenapan.

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Key Quotes

Phonphong Naiyanaphakorn

"Currently, consumer behavior has changed, valuing products with unique identities, storytelling, and reflecting the local vibe, which is a significant economic opportunity."

ปัจจุบันพฤติกรรมของผู้บริโภคเปลี่ยนไป หันมาให้คุณค่ากับสินค้าที่มีอัตลักษณ์เฉพาะตัว มีเรื่องราว (Storytelling) และสะท้อนกลิ่นอายของท้องถิ่น ซึ่งเป็นโอกาสทางเศรษฐกิจที่สำคัญ

Phonphong Naiyanaphakorn

"The Department of Business Development continuously drives and upskills entrepreneurs through SMART Local Clinic and SMART Local Camp activities to fulfill crucial digital-age skills."

กรมพัฒนาธุรกิจการค้า จึงเดินหน้าขับเคลื่อนและอัปสกิลผู้ประกอบการผ่านกิจกรรม SMART Local Clinic และ SMART Local Camp มาอย่างต่อเนื่อง เพื่อช่วยเติมเต็มทักษะสำคัญในยุคดิจิทัล

Key Entities

Organization

Department of Business Development(กรมพัฒนาธุรกิจการค้า)ℹ️

The Thai government agency responsible for driving and upskilling community entrepreneurs and businesses.

Person

Phonphong Naiyanaphakorn(นายพูนพงษ์ นัยนาภากรณ์)

Director-General of the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, who commented on consumer trends and department initiatives.

Ajarn Pai Chatchapimuk Jeenapan(อาจารย์ไผ่ ชัชพิมุข จีนาพันธุ์)

An expert in branding who presented a Special Talk at the 'Community Entrepreneurs Success Path' event.

Place

Sukhothai(สุโขทัย)ℹ️

One of the four model provinces participating in the 'SUNS Day Trip' initiative.

Ubon Ratchathani(อุบลราชธานี)ℹ️

One of the four model provinces participating in the 'SUNS Day Trip' initiative.

Nan(น่าน)ℹ️

One of the four model provinces participating in the 'SUNS Day Trip' initiative.

Satun(สตูล)ℹ️

One of the four model provinces participating in the 'SUNS Day Trip' initiative.