Thai Credit Empowers Communities with Sustainable Contest

Jun 09, 2023

Thai Credit Retail Bank joins forces with the Community Development Department to launch an OTOP contest aimed at fostering community-led sustainable development and promoting indigenous products.

PUBLISHED : 28 Aug 2023 at 10:08

The inaugural event, an integral part of the EMpower for Community Initiatives, has achieved resounding success, capturing the engagement of 151 community enterprises hailing from 37 provinces.

The triumphant entrants' products will serve as the bank's giveaways, while winners secure product supply agreements, thus nurturing novel business opportunities for local entrepreneurs, propelling local economic development, and fostering sustainable communities.

Thai Credit Retail Bank Plc has pioneered the OTOP Product Pitching initiative, intending to propel community-driven product development rooted in indigenous wisdom, beliefs, and lifestyle. This endeavor concurrently facilitates career advancement, income generation, and an enriched quality of life. Aligned with the EMpower for Community initiatives and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, the project's success has been underpinned by the substantial backing of the Ministry of Interior's Community Development Department (CDD), attracting a diverse array of community enterprises across the nation.

Winyou Chaiyawan, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Credit Retail Bank, affirmed that the "One Tambon One Product (OTOP)" contest signifies the bank's unyielding dedication to advancing sustainable economic and social growth across communities nationwide, congruent with its guiding principle, "Everyone Matters." To materialize this vision, the bank has orchestrated initiatives that unite local residents in creative endeavors, amplifying their earnings, self-reliance, and communal solidarity. Additionally, the bank's support in crafting distinctive products that encapsulate local wisdom, beliefs, and lifestyle, thereby augmenting their value, underscores its commitment to community upliftment.

Chaiyawan noted, "We are elated with the resounding success of the project's inaugural year. The enthusiastic response from entrepreneurs during its maiden launch fuels our collective determination to conceptualize more impactful social and community-oriented projects in the future."

In the initial phase of the contest, 151 community enterprises spanning 37 provinces submitted their products, categorized into premium, national-level, local-level, and basic tiers. Twelve finalists, who met stringent evaluation criteria, presented their offerings to a panel of judges, culminating in winners across various categories.

Phoethong Aranyik Handiwork Co Ltd, based in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, triumphed in the premium and basic categories with their "stainless flatware set." Jatuphon Thai Tea (Doi Mae Salong) from Chiang Rai claimed victory at the national level with their "four-season oolong tea gift set," while Nature Life Herb Co Ltd from Prachinburi emerged as winners at the local level with their "exotic natural soap gift set."

In recognition of their achievement, all 12 finalists received trophies along with product supply agreements from Thai Credit Retail Bank Plc. These milestones fortify small businesses and entrepreneurs, concurrently augmenting income for local communities.

Krisana Aramkulchai, board director of Thai Credit Retail Bank, accentuated that the contest had sparked fresh avenues for local enterprises while providing the bank a platform to endorse indigenous wisdom and locally crafted products, and to laud their creators. Aramkulchai emphasized, "The contest signifies more than just scores. It underscores our aspiration to empower small enterprises—the lifeblood of local economies—and promote inclusivity. We anticipate this contest will fortify local economies and contribute meaningfully to communities. Strong, self-reliant communities are pivotal to our nation's future economic growth and development."

Totsamonporn Puttachantra, Director of the CDD's Community Product Promotion and Development Group, and one of the judges, outlined the contest's judging criteria: product presentation, product quality, and the demonstration of strengths and wisdom. She conveyed her gratitude to Thai Credit Retail Bank for the opportunity and praised the extraordinary quality and uniqueness of all entries, lauding the winners for meeting the contest's rigorous standards

The Premium and Basic Winners

Siriphen Nakabut of Phoethong Aranyik Handiwork Co Ltd, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Winning product: "Stainless Flatware Set."

Nakabut shared, "We extend heartfelt gratitude to Thai Credit Retail Bank for initiating this exceptional project. The contest offered us a platform to showcase our creations before esteemed judges. These awards will undoubtedly spur our growth and enhance our future endeavors. We anticipate that our partnership with the bank will swiftly elevate interest in our products, bolstering local income for an improved quality of life."

National-Level Champion

Titapa Cheewinchalermchot of Jatuphon Thai Tea (Doi Mae Salong), Chiang Rai. Winning product: "Four-Season Oolong Tea Gift Set."

Cheewinchalermchot expressed gratitude to the panel for selecting them for the award, highlighting the enriching experience of exchanging ideas with fellow participants. She joyfully acknowledged the award's significance, attributing it to the judges' endorsement of their work and offering hopes of future participation.

Local-Level Winner

Rojwasin Rattanasaowakhon of Nature Life Herb Co Ltd, Prachinburi. Winning product: "Exotic Natural Soap Gift Set."

Rattanasaowakhon enthusiastically conveyed their delight, describing the award as an incredible moment. The recognition of their product as the bank's giveaway holds significant value, promoting their locally crafted products and local wisdom, and driving economic growth in the community.

In summation, the collaboration between Thai Credit Retail Bank and the Community Development Department has birthed a noteworthy platform uplifting local businesses, catalyzing entrepreneurship, and nurturing sustainable community growth.