The Government has invited people to visit the latest OTOP fair, which will give a boost to local products under the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT), established by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior, the fair will take place at 1-3 Challenger Halls, IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi province, from 12 to 20 August 2023. It is meant to celebrate the birthday anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, 12 August, and generate income, stimulate the local economy, and promote the marketing of OTOP goods.

OTOP stands for the “One Tambon, One Product” program, aimed at building up small enterprises in communities by encouraging the people to manufacture local products using their homegrown skills and expertise. OTOP products and SUPPORT handicrafts from all parts of Thailand will be put on sale at the fair by more than 2,000 entrepreneurs. The fair will also reflect the craftsmanship of the Thai people.

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit has taken a particularly deep interest in arts and crafts and has set an example in the preservation of Thai arts and culture. Her awareness of the importance of preserving Thai arts and crafts resulted in the establishment of the SUPPORT Foundation under her patronage in 1976, with the primary objective of setting up women’s groups and providing rural Thai women with equipment, materials, and training in cottage industries. Apart from benefiting craft makers and their families, SUPPORT plays a part in reviving traditional crafts and preserving them.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has encouraged people to buy OTOP products and SUPPORT handicrafts as gifts for mothers on the occasion of National Mother’s Day this year. The day of 12 August, which is Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s birthday, is also observed as National Mother’s Day. 

Recognized as “Mother of the Thai Nation,” Her Majesty has given rise to many development programs for the well-being of the people. She has upheld her vigorous resolve and strong commitment to occupational development geared to supplement family income, out of the genuine concern and loving care that only a mother could possibly give.