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We believe you are aware of the government-supported "One Tambon, One
Product'' scheme which is better known by its acronym OTOP.
 If you
don't, OTOP seeks to encourage growth of cottage industries through the
production of quality products utilising indigenously developed skills and
give them international recognition.
Every tambon or district is encouraged to develop products that reflect
an expertise that's unique to the district or that part of the country.
OTOP is one of the success stories of this administration because it has
helped create new jobs and distribute income to the rural masses and, at the
same time, raised new awareness about Thai products overseas.
The scheme has also contributed to the growth of the tourism
industry in Thailand.
Tourists hoping to take home quality Thai handicraft,
souvenirs, or other products can rely on the OTOP tag for it's a guarantee
of excellence. OTOP products carry three, four and five-star ratings,
depending on the workmanship.
And the good news is that they are all now available under one
roof so tourists don't need to travel the length and breath of the country
to buy them.
The Pratunam Centre on Ratchaparob Road in
Bangkok features some 300
booths on its ground and first floors selling award-winning OTOP products
ranging home decor items, handicrafts, souvenirs and furniture to handbags,
clothes, leather goods, porcelain, ceramics and so forth. The centre is open
every day from 10am-8pm. For more details, call 02-309-8888.
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