[Nicke]

PHUKET, June 26, (TNA) – Phuket is to become the nation’s showcase for One Tambon One Product (OTOP) goods, with foreign tourists able to purchase OTOP goods from across the country at local department stores, from where they are ordered via the internet and posted within 24 hours.

The brainchild of Phuket Governor Udomsak Assawarangura, the scheme will transform Phuket into a gateway for OTOP goods from the nation’s 75 provinces.

Examples of ‘Top ten’ OTOP goods will be showcased in the local department store Central Festival Phuket, where tourists will be able to select the goods they require. The department store will then order the goods via the internet, and they will be posted to the purchasers, either at their hotel accommodation or at the airport prior to departure, within 24 hours.

According to Mr. Udomsak, the Phuket authorities have already talked with the Post Office and the Software Industry Promotion Agency, which is helping draw up an online database of the products.

“This initiative will promote OTOP goods from provinces across the country”, the Phuket governor said, noting that tour guides and tour operators in the province were being encouraged to take visitors to view OTOP goods.

The scheme, which is expected to be up and running within the next two months, will be piloted with OTOP goods from Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Bangkok and Phuket. (TNA)