Thailand Launches Nationwide Community OTOP Event in Bangkok
Thailand's government launched a nationwide community tourism event in Bangkok showcasing over 130 OTOP entrepreneurs and local businesses, aiming to shift tourism focus from visitor numbers to sustainable economic value for communities.
The Department of Community Development, under Thailand's Ministry of Interior, launched the event 'Discover Thai Charm: Journey with New-Generation Community Tourism' at The Street Ratchada shopping center in Bangkok on September 16, 2026. Siam Sirimonkol, Director-General of the Department of Community Development, presided over the opening ceremony alongside Surapol Kaewinthi, Director of the Office for the Promotion of Local Wisdom and Community Enterprise.
The event supports the government's policy under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to establish Thailand as a major regional tourism destination by shifting focus from visitor volume to value creation. The government aims to position Thailand as a year-round destination (Destination Thailand) while promoting community-based tourism that ensures local participation and sustainable benefits. The initiative links OTOP products, local wisdom, culture, and identity with tourism experiences to create added value and distribute economic benefits across the country.
Siam Sirimonkol stated that Thailand's communities possess diverse resources and potential that must be properly developed and presented to create economic opportunities. He emphasized that community value extends beyond products to encompass stories, people, and lifestyles. The event serves as a marketplace connecting producers with consumers while helping urban residents discover the richness of communities nationwide.
Running from September 16-18, 2026 (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.), the three-day event features over 130 OTOP entrepreneurs and new-generation community tourism operators. Visitors can explore food, beverages, household products, clothing, and decorative items while experiencing community tourism atmospheres and learning about tourism services from across Thailand. The event also includes Business Matching activities to create networking and partnership opportunities for entrepreneurs, alongside Thai wisdom workshops for attendees.
