Community Development Department Launches Thailand Tourism Event
Thailand's Community Development Department is hosting a three-day tourism event September 16-18, 2026, at Bangkok's The Street Ratchada mall, featuring over 130 local operators selling OTOP products and community crafts while promoting sus
The Community Development Department under the Ministry of Interior held a press conference on September 7 to announce the 'Experience Thai Charm: Journey with Innovation Community Tourism' event, scheduled for September 16-18, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at The Street Ratchada shopping mall in Bangkok.
Deputy Director-General Pairojn Sophaporn said the event aligns with the government's policy under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to elevate Thai tourism by shifting focus from volume to high-value experiences. The initiative supports sustainable tourism development that benefits local communities and encourages domestic travel while promoting local product development that reflects regional identity and distributes income to grassroots economies.
The event will showcase over 130 OTOP and innovation community tourism operators from across Thailand, offering food, beverages, handicrafts, clothing, and decorative items. Activities include Thai wisdom workshops held twice daily at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., online seller demonstrations, live streaming with special promotions, and free mini concerts featuring Rial Kachbundit (September 16), Ob Niti (September 17), and New Country (September 18) at 7-8 p.m.
Pairojn emphasized that the event goes beyond selling products—it aims to introduce visitors to the people and stories behind each item, helping them appreciate the wisdom and unique lifestyles of different regions. The goal is to inspire visitors to travel directly to communities, linking tourism with grassroots economics and creating sustained income circulation in local areas.
