OTOP products available on board THAI flights

Government Spokesman Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha had instructed the Ministry of Interior to develop the quality of OTOP products to international standards. It was also told to cooperate with THAI in selling OTOP products to both Thai and international passengers.

He said that the Ministry of Interior and THAI had already taken pictures of 128 selected OTOP products in 21 categories to be listed on the in-flight shopping catalogue. Among the premium OTOP products on the catalogue are Sukhothai silverware, such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings; yan lipao wickerwork from Nakhon Si Thammarat; and bencharong ceramic ware.

Major General Sansern said that the Government wants to make OTOP products better known in the international market and to see OTOP entrepreneurs have wider channels to sell their products. Today, OTOP products have become more popular among foreign customers. Taking into consideration that THAI has customers from all over the world and operates many flights a day, it should help expand OTOP markets even more.

In this regard, OTOP entrepreneurs have been urged to upgrade their products through the use of technology and innovation, in an effort to enhance the image of OTOP as international products and add value to them.

Major General Sansern said that, in the first phase, OTOP products on the in-flight shopping catalogue would be available from May 2016 onwards. They can also be ordered online at thailandmall.net. Customers may receive the products on board THAI flights, or at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The products may also be sent to the address stated in the purchase order.

In the second phase, which will begin in July 2016, certain OTOP products will be available on board THAI flights. They include neckties, scarves, coconut oil nourishing body cream, key rings, necklaces, jewelry boxes, gemstone bracelets, gemstone earrings, and leather bracelets.

Moreover, OTOP shops will be opened at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The OTOP program aims to build up small enterprises in communities by encouraging the people to manufacture local products using their homegrown skills and expertise. The OTOP products that have good potential will be developed further to enable them to go international.