Bangkok: The government is moving forward with its "Thai Helps Thai" initiative, pushing SMEs and OTOPs into the online market in full force. This involves collaboration between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), the Ministry of Commerce, and Thailand Post to reduce costs, increase sales, and expand trade opportunities in the digital age.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, is committed to supporting Thai entrepreneurs, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and OTOP (One Tambon One Product) entrepreneurs, to compete and grow in the digital economy. This is being achieved through cooperation between the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the Ministry of Commerce, and Thailand Post Co., Ltd., under the "Thai Helps Thai" project, which aims to reduce costs, increase sales channels, and expand online markets for Thai entrepreneurs nationwide.
The deputy spokesperson stated that the project will systematically promote Thai SME and OTOP products into the online market through the ThailandPostMart platform, a sales channel of Thailand Post that connects producers, entrepreneurs, and consumers nationwide. The government has also implemented various support measures to help reduce burdens and increase business opportunities for entrepreneurs.
One of the key measures is the waiver of revenue sharing fees (GP) for the duration of the project. This directly reduces online sales costs for entrepreneurs, allowing stores to reinvest their revenue in business development and enhance their competitiveness.
In terms of stimulating purchasing power, the government has provided discount codes for consumers who purchase goods through platforms. A minimum order of 200 baht will entitle consumers to a 100 baht discount. A total of 500,000 such codes are available, representing a total support budget of 50 million baht, aiming to stimulate spending and boost sales for businesses nationwide.
Meanwhile, Thailand Post is also supporting logistics by setting a special shipping rate of only 20 baht per order and providing 250 free shipping coupons per store to help reduce transportation costs, which is one of the key costs of online trading.
Furthermore, the project promotes digital marketing through the use of influencers and live-streaming sales events to create awareness and boost sales in real-time. This helps entrepreneurs reach a wider consumer base, increase revenue opportunities, and expand their customer base online.
Ms. Lalida stated that the government prioritizes enhancing the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs, especially small businesses and local communities, enabling them to utilize digital technology in their businesses, expand market channels, create added value for products, and broaden sustainable economic opportunities.
'The 'Thai Helps Thai' project not only helps reduce the cost burden for entrepreneurs, but also creates an online commerce ecosystem that fosters the growth of Thai SMEs and OTOPs. It helps entrepreneurs access new markets, increase sales, generate income, and strengthen the country's grassroots economy,' said Ms. Lalida.