BRINGING THE TAMBONS TO YOU

After its annual One Tambon One Product Fair (Otop Fair) was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Community Development Department has carried out a series of live sales on its Facebook page, Otop Today Thailand, in which shoppers can enjoy special bargain deals.

Recognising the potential for the e-commerce market in Thailand, last year the department came up with Otoptoday.com to offer more than 10,000 quality products from local communities around the country. It’s designed to be the biggest online marketplace to help villagers expand customer bases and increase selling opportunities. The merchandise comes in five categories — food, beverages, apparel, lifestyle products and accessories and herb.

“The Otop Today website has generated 15 million baht since its launch last year. We try to showcase a variety of top-quality handicrafts from local communities in 76 provinces,” said Anuchit Ochaikul, director of the promotion group.

“We’ve provided workshops to educate villagers about the basics of online marketing. They learn how to take pictures of products and how to write interesting descriptions to draw the attention of online shoppers. We give all members access to the website so they can update their collections and deal with customers directly.”

Now, its Facebook page is conducting sales events on Monday to Saturday from noon to 1.30pm and Sunday from 10am to 11am. Product highlights will include a collection of Lanna-style blouses from Chiang Mai; refined silver jewellery from Sukhothai; krajood handcrafted bags from Phatthalung; longan flower honeycomb from Chaiyaphum; and handwoven phasin from Nong Bua Lam Phu.

“This is a free channel that villagers can afford. All communities can create their own online selling events through Facebook. It’s easy and convenient,” Anuchit said.

— Pattarawadee Saengmanee