Bangkok: The Ministry of Commerce is launching a product discount festival aimed at reducing the cost of living for citizens, in conjunction with the “Half-Half Plus” program. This initiative is designed to support local grocery stores and enhance the potential of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while also accepting purchases with government welfare cards.
According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce held the opening ceremony for the “Local Department Stores Unite for Big Discounts, Thais Help Thais” product sale fair. The initiative seeks to stimulate the grassroots economy nationwide by aligning with government policies focused on reducing living costs and promoting economic activity.
Presiding over the ceremony, Ms. Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce, highlighted the ministry’s focus on reducing public living costs and improving the standards of Thai entrepreneurs, particularly those involved in local businesses and SMEs, which play a crucial role in driving the national economy. The expo unites local retailers, department stores, and mom-and-pop stores across the country to offer consumer goods at reduced prices, making quality products more accessible to the public.
Ms. Suphajee announced that registration for the “Half-Half Plus” program begins today, allowing both the general public and state welfare cardholders to benefit from the initiative. She emphasized the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that assistance effectively reaches all segments of society.
Mr. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, noted that the project aligns with the Ministry of Commerce’s policies and strategies aimed at reducing living costs and strengthening SMEs. The expo features over 90 local department stores offering discounts of up to 60% on various products, including consumer goods, beauty products, pet food, and electronic devices.
The event showcased a range of special-priced merchandise from multiple partners. Highlights included booths from local wholesale and retail outlets, manufacturers and distributors, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) featuring the OTOP AI Transformation project, and the SME D Bank offering special interest loans for entrepreneurs. Additionally, community product booths from Thai-Cambodian border provinces were also featured.
The Department of Business Development is advancing the “Mom-and-pop Mentor” project, which aims to transform local stores into modern “smart mom-and-pop stores” by incorporating management technology and expanding online sales channels. This effort is supported by local retailers who act as consultants and supply competitively priced products to small mom-and-pop stores.