Plan to launch OTOP and Cultural Village nationwide

BANGKOK, June 19 (TNA) - The Industry Ministry’s Industrial Promotion Department plans to launch an OTOP and Cultural Village campaign in 77 provinces throughout Thailand this August. Director-general of the department Somchai Harnhirun said it is expected the campaign will increase income of rural people by 20 per cent and attract more than 10 million tourists annually. His remarks were made as he presided over the opening of Ban Khiri Wong in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, chosen as one of the six outstanding OTOP and Cultural Villages on Sunday. The other five model villages are Baan Chiang in Udon Thani, Baan Na Teen in Krabi, Baan Na Ton Chan in Sukhothai, Baan Pho Kong in Surin and Baan Na Tha Pho in Uthai Thani. Mr. Somchai said his department plans to set up at least one OTOP and Cultural Village in each province. Products manufactured under the OTOP programme will be further developed through the use of a Digital Creative system. The government has allocated 70 million baht for the programme. (TNA)