Songkhla: The Community Development Department of Songkhla Province has introduced a mobile OTOP (One Tambon One Product) stall, aimed at offering affordable products to the public as part of efforts to reduce the cost of living.
According to Thai News Agency, the initiative responds to the "Thai Helps Thai" policy, with the Community Development Department (CDD) launching a mobile vendor unit that sells OTOP products, safe vegetables, and other community items at accessible prices. This initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens on the public.
Earlier today, in front of the Songkhla Provincial Hall, Mr. Ratsasart Chidchu, Governor of Songkhla Province, appointed Mr. Chuchip Thammaphet, Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province, to lead the opening of the 'Community Development Department of Songkhla Mobile Shop' activity under the Thai Help Thai project. This initiative follows the guidelines set by Mr. Polpeera Suwannachavi, Deputy Minister of Interior. The event saw participation from Mrs. Nongkran Thammaphet, Vice President of the Songkhla Provincial Housewives Association, and Mrs. Bampen Chankub, Director of the Community Development Strategy Group, alongside other officials.
Mr. Chucheep Thammaphet emphasized that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, along with Deputy Minister of Interior Polpeera Suwannachawi, is committed to reducing the public's financial burden. The "Thai Helps Thai" policy facilitates the distribution of affordable goods through mobile markets and food trucks nationwide, aiming to counteract the economic challenges and regional crises affecting people's lives.
In collaboration with the Songkhla Provincial Community Development Office, the Songkhla Provincial Administration has launched the "Songkhla Community Development Office's Mobile Shop." The shop offers a range of products, including those from the Kook Nong Na (integrated farming) project, OTOP products, community items, and goods from women's empowerment fund groups. The goal is to expand marketing opportunities, distribute income to communities, and provide quality products at the "Thai Smile Market" in front of the Songkhla City Hall.
This initiative is part of the government's 2026 economic stimulus measures, designed to promote and support OTOP producers and community product manufacturers. The program also includes the Kook Nong Na network, which seeks market access and continuous income generation. Songkhla province currently boasts 927 OTOP groups with 2,076 products, 279 learning centers focused on quality of life improvement, and 1,119 women's empowerment groups benefiting from the Women's Development Fund. This foundation is essential for enhancing the grassroots economy and improving residents' quality of life.
During the event, the Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province, along with the Vice President of the Songkhla Provincial Housewives Association, endorsed local produce, including vegetables and fruits, at the "Songkhla Community Development Department's Mobile Food Truck" event. This initiative supports community entrepreneurs and producers, boosts vendor morale, and ensures the public has access to quality products at affordable prices, playing a vital role in stimulating Songkhla Province's grassroots economy.