Bangkok: The Deputy Minister of Interior announced a major transformation of "OTOP Midyear 2026," offering a new experience at the national OTOP product fair under the concept "OTOP NEXT INSPIRATION: Thai Helps Thai Plus." Mr. Polpeera Suwannachawi, Deputy Minister of Interior, presided over the press conference for the OTOP Midyear 2026 event. Also present were Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior; Mr. Siam Sirimongkol, Director-General of the Department of Community Development; Mr. Panu Pornwattana, Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Interior; Ms. Veeraporn Kiatchaipat, Assistant Secretary to the Minister of Interior; along with executives from the Department of Community Development, government agencies, the private sector, and partner networks. The event took place at Eden 1 Plaza, CentralWorld, Bangkok.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Peerapong Suwannachawi, Deputy Minister of Interior, revealed that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, prioritizes driving the grassroots economy, generating income, and continuously improving the quality of life for the people. This is achieved through promoting OTOP producers, entrepreneurs, and community enterprises nationwide to access new market opportunities both domestically and internationally. The focus is on the policy of "reducing expenses, generating income, and reducing inequality," enhancing competitiveness to create stable and sustainable income for the people. The OTOP Midyear 2026 event represents a significant collaboration across all sectors in showcasing the comprehensive potential of community products, serving as a crucial mechanism for driving strong growth in the country's grassroots economy.
Mr. Siam Sirimongkol, Director-General of the Department of Community Development, added that this year's event is held under the concept of "OTOP NEXT INSPIRATION: Thai Helps Thai Plus," which elevates the OTOP fair to a new experience that perfectly integrates the offline and online worlds. Technology is being used to stimulate trade and build brands to reach modern consumers. More than 2,000 OTOP entrepreneurs from across the country are participating to create this new experience.
This year's event features several must-see activity zones and highlights, including:
- OTOP NEXT: A platform showcasing the potential of future community products, launching the Global Lifestyle Live Commerce Hub, a live streaming studio seamlessly connecting online and offline sales.
- OTOP Artists: A platform showcasing creative works from Thai artists, designers, and craftspeople who have transformed local wisdom into contemporary products.
- Make wearing Thai fabrics fun: A special zone that continues the initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya in promoting Thai fabrics into contemporary international fashion.
- OTOP Innovative Tourism Communities: Experience cultural tourism, learn about community lifestyles and outstanding products from OTOP Innovative Tourism villages across the country.
- OTOP Premium: An exhibition of premium OTOP products that stand out in terms of design, quality, and international market potential.
- OTOP CRAFT and BEVERAGE HUB: The newest highlight zone, elevating Thai craft beverages from local wisdom to the global market. It brings together premium community spirits, craft spirits, fruit wines, craft beers, and leading local fermented drinks from across the country.
In addition, there will be food tasting zones featuring signature dishes from every region, business matching activities to expand export opportunities, promotional activities with discounts and special offers throughout the 9 days, and mini-concerts by famous artists to add to the entertainment.
The Ministry of Interior therefore invites all Thai citizens to support quality products, inspire others, and drive sustainable economic growth in Thailand at the OTOP Midyear 2026 'OTOP NEXT INSPIRATION: Thai Helps Thai Plus' event, from June 20-28, 2026, at Challenger Hall 1-3, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi Province.