Ministry reveals new strategies
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has unveiled five key policies aimed at reducing living costs, lifting incomes, and creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
The measures comprise: easing living costs for households while increasing incomes for businesses and local communities; maintaining price stability and adding value to agricultural products; enhancing the capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local communities; promoting balanced exports; and leveraging technology to improve government services and remove regulatory barriers.
Mrs Suphajee said the effective implementation of these policies requires close collaboration with other ministries and agencies, as well as specialists in each field, through an issue-based management approach.
The ministry launched the "Thai Chuay Thai" campaign on April 1, offering discounts of up to 58% on more than 3,000 consumer items across leading wholesale and retail chains nationwide.
Since its launch, sales of house-branded and second-tier items have increased by 16%, while sales of major brands have declined, according to the Department of Business Development.
Starting next month, the campaign will enable local SME producers to distribute their products on participating online platforms, she noted. The ministry and relevant agencies aim to recruit and select 2,000 potential SMEs to join the project.
In the initial phase, platforms will waive the gross profit fee for SMEs, while the ministry will subsidise delivery fees and offer a 100‑baht discount coupon to buyers, said Mrs Suphajee.
Essential goods via the campaign will be available at district offices nationwide every Friday, starting May 1, noted the ministry.
Regarding agricultural products, she said the Commerce Ministry is collaborating with the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry to improve product quality and production controls to meet market demand.
"Zoning will be critical in determining the most suitable crops and fertilisers for each area, ensuring effective cultivation and optimal yields," said Mrs Suphajee.
She emphasised the importance of adding value to agricultural products through processing and the promotion of geographical indications.
"Processing will help manage excess supply and extend shelf life," said Mrs Suphajee.
The ministry also supports the establishment of community collection centres for agricultural products, and has empowered SMEs through training projects, she said.
"We prioritise promoting franchises because this enables SMEs to grow rapidly with minimal investment," said Mrs Suphajee.
"We also encourage potential franchisees to pursue expansion into overseas markets."
The ministry wants a more balanced export portfolio and plans to promote products with higher local content as well as Made in Thailand goods, while maintaining existing markets such as the US and China.
One goal is greater expansion into Europe, Latin America, India and Africa, she said.
"We will focus more on promoting high-value and experiential tourism, wellness tourism, and the longevity economy," said Mrs Suphajee.
The ministry continues to leverage technology to improve services. For example, it is developing a rice dashboard to better manage supply, while promoting digital government initiatives to reduce paperwork across agencies.
Key Insights
- This topic is currently trending
- Experts are closely monitoring developments
- It may impact future decisions
