“The ‘One Tambon, One Product’ (OTOP) project has been established since the year 2001, spanning 16 years until the present. Despite various supporting efforts by different agencies to enhance products and diversify marketing channels towards global trade, it has been challenging for the majority of community-produced goods to compete. The profits predominantly flow into the hands of individual entrepreneurs and private capital groups, such as hotels, restaurants, large retail stores, and tour groups. Consequently, the economic development of communities has not yielded the desired outcomes, similarly observed in the communities of Bangsaotong District, Samut Prakan Province.
These local communities aspire to focus on developing community-based creative tourism products in both production and service sectors that can compete effectively. This aims to uplift the overall quality of life for the people, stimulate the internal economy and society within these communities, fostering strength and enabling better community management practices.”
