Bangkok: The 8th Journalists' Market Fair has officially opened, offering a platform for economic media professionals to gain supplementary income amidst ongoing global economic challenges. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, led the opening ceremony organized by the Economic Journalists Association at the Royal Park Plaza, located on the 1st floor of Paradise Park Shopping Center. The event saw participation from Ms. Pimraphas Siripraiwan, President of the Economic Journalists Association, along with association committee members, media representatives, and officials from both government and private sectors.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Supajee expressed her pleasure in participating in the event, which aims to foster relationships within the Economic Journalists Association. She acknowledged the association and its partners for their continued efforts in promoting such initiatives over the past eight years. The fair not only provides an opportunity for members to earn additional income but also serves as a venue for media professionals to network, share experiences, and build friendships.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce highlighted the challenges posed by various uncontrollable factors, such as geopolitical uncertainties, climate change, and rapid technological advancements affecting information dissemination. She emphasized the critical role of the media, particularly economic media, in delivering accurate, timely, and comprehensive information to the public and businesses, helping them adapt and prepare for changing circumstances.
Ms. Supajee remarked on the importance of media collaboration in raising awareness and understanding of economic and social situations. She also noted the government's efforts to enhance Thailand's trade competitiveness amidst global economic pressures. The first quarter of 2026 saw significant growth in Thai exports, with agricultural products like durian experiencing a remarkable 109.5% expansion in April, following strategic marketing efforts by the Ministry of Commerce.
She further reported an improvement in Thai rice prices, rising from approximately US$334 per ton at the end of last year to over US$480 per ton currently, outperforming major competitors. This improvement reflects the success of market management and ongoing export promotion initiatives.
Additionally, the Ministry of Commerce continues to implement measures to manage living costs and support Thai entrepreneurs through the "Thai Helps Thai" project, involving over 2,000 SMEs. The initiative aims to boost income, stimulate the grassroots economy, and alleviate public living costs.
Ms. Supajee underscored the importance of government-media collaboration in conveying factual information and fostering understanding of economic and social contexts, enabling citizens to navigate global uncertainties securely.
Ms. Pimrapas Siripraiwan stated that the Journalists' Market has consistently received positive feedback over its eight-year history. It serves not only as a marketplace but also as a forum for friendship, experience exchange, and opportunity creation for members, providing an additional income stream as the media landscape evolves.
Following the opening, Ms. Supajee toured over 20 booths featuring products from association members, including fashion, lifestyle items, handmade goods, and a booth promoting Thai fruits like durian, rambutan, mangosteen, and salak from the Department of Internal Trade.
The Journalists' Market Fair 8th Edition, held from June 20-21, 2026, at Paradise Park Shopping Center, was a collaborative effort between the Economic Journalists Association and government and private sector partners. It offered members a platform to sell goods, generate income, strengthen media industry ties, and contribute to the Thai economy by encouraging domestic spending.