depa visited Chiang Mai to monitor a key project that improves people’s quality of life through digital content solutions

Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), participated in a discussion with local entrepreneurs and influencers at the Digital Content-Driven E-Commerce: Practical Training to Boost Sales with Digital Content workshop. The event builds on the success of the CONNEXION project, and Dr. Chinawut Chinaprayoon, Executive Vice President of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), and Dr. Sakkawet Yorsaeng, Director of the Digital Industry Promotion Division, and their team welcomed the participants.

Mr. Prasert stated that discussions with entrepreneurs in the northern region revealed various challenges, including adapting to the online world, keeping up with rapid technological advances and a sales strategy that is still lacking compared to other types of products. In addition, the production volume was still not up to par. On behalf of MDES with DEPA, dedicating itself to creating transformational change for local products and communities. In addition, the ministry aims to increase digital literacy among entrepreneurs to create new market opportunities along with the preparation of a digital ecosystem integrated with government support to concretely elevate local businesses and community products.

As for Digital Content-Driven E-Commerce Workshop is a project aimed at increasing the digital knowledge and skills of social entrepreneurs in 5 regions of Thailand, who aim to increase sales on e-commerce platforms through hands-on training workshops. These workshops cover a range of topics, including product photography techniques, storytelling, live selling, and opening stores on social commerce platforms such as TikTok and Facebook. Additionally, the project uses commerce data from the Thai e-marketplace eTailligence to help inform marketing decisions. These activities aim to introduce local products and services to the online world, providing a competitive advantage in terms of quality and creativity, as well as supporting new content creators and micro-influencers in the community.

Then, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society had the honor of inaugurating the Sustainable Model Market at Kad Varun Mueng Chiang Mai. This activity is part of the Transform New Era Fresh Market with Mr. Julanop Santipong Director of Digital Trade and Industry Development Promotion Department DEPA and his team as well as Mr. Vorapat Chutima, Director of Kad Arun were present to welcome the participants.

Mr. Prasert stated that MDES through depa, is developing the Transform New Era Fresh Market project from 2022. The project aims to provide digital tools to entrepreneurs, small businessmen and street vendors – key players in the country’s economic foundations – to improve business efficiency and adapt to today’s competitive landscape. The initiative aims to increase business and trade opportunities, leading to the establishment of model markets that integrate digital management tools, keep up with technological and innovative advances, and strengthen the country’s digital capabilities and competitive advantages.

The Sustainable Model Market event of the Transform New Era Fresh Market project focuses on monitoring and assessing the integration of digital technology from Thai startups into the business of entrepreneurs, SMEs and small suppliers. This includes using digital service accounts to raise awareness of using technology to improve business management, develop consumer access channels, increase revenues and reduce costs by improving operational efficiency in the digital era. The project has been successfully scaled up and implemented in 75 markets in 25 provinces, covering over 100,000 stalls.

MDES also reached out to vendors and market owners to gather feedback and suggestions on how to make the project more effective. Kad Varun, a multi-purpose market that serves both locals and tourists, has implemented a digital platform, a stall management system developed by a Chiang Mai startup, Chaoperty, registered with DEPA. The system aims to improve space management and accounting, and also support the use of digital technology to increase sales. This is aimed at positioning Kad Varun as a model market in the northern region.