Young OTOP Awards Spark Next-Gen Thai Entrepreneurs
The Community Development Department awarded fifty young entrepreneurs at an August 20 ceremony for the Young OTOP Goes Global program, which develops local products for international markets and supports Thailand's grassroots economy.
On August 20, 2026, at Central World shopping mall in Bangkok, Siam Sirimongkol, director-general of the Community Development Department, presided over the award ceremony for the "Young OTOP Goes Global" competition under the 2026 Young OTOP product development program. Fifty participants received certificates of completion.
The Community Development Department under the Ministry of Interior launched the Young OTOP Goes Global initiative to promote and develop the potential of young OTOP entrepreneurs and business successors. The program aims to help entrepreneurs leverage local wisdom into distinctive products that meet market demand, increase product value, and compete internationally while supporting Thailand's grassroots economy.
This year's program attracted over 100 applicants nationwide. Fifty-nine advanced to training and skills development, with fifty selected for in-depth product development. Participants received instruction from experts in fashion design, branding, product development, packaging design, marketing, and value creation, with on-site consultations to ensure products reflect contemporary trends and local identity while meeting consumer demands both domestically and internationally.
The initiative produced 100 prototype products from all fifty entrepreneurs before entering the national competition to select outstanding works based on creativity, design, cultural value, and commercial potential. The judging panel included prominent fashion designers, design experts, and leading academics such as Thananth Ratana Thansetkarayun, Sirinda Chamromman, Sirichai Tharanon (THEATRE brand founder), and Wicharawit Akkasantisuk (WISHARAWISH brand founder), along with faculty from Srinakharinwirot University, Silpakorn University, and Thammasat University.
The awards resulted in ten "Young Entrepreneur Sprout" prizes across two categories: textiles and apparel, and household goods and decorative items.
