Lamphun: The Department of Business Development, Department of Agricultural Extension, and Chulalongkorn University have joined forces to support community enterprises in Lamphun Province, aiming to transform them into modern entrepreneurs. The collaborative effort focuses on enhancing digital marketing capabilities, brand building, and modern management techniques.
According to Thai News Agency, the initiative involved a visit by Mrs. Aromorn Traipthaweetham, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, Mr. Rapitas Unjitphan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Agricultural Extension, and Assistant Professor Dr. Ekkapat Phatthanakun from Chulalongkorn University. They visited Ban Hong Subdistrict to engage with a community enterprise that develops vegetable, herbal, and fruit products. This enterprise is among six selected for its readiness in receiving knowledge transfer and utilizing basic computer equipment for accounting under a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship potential through technology and strategic business management.
Mrs. Arom emphasized that this field visit is part of an ongoing effort to extend support for accounting systems and marks the first such visit in 2023. The primary focus is to equip community enterprises with skills in online marketing, brand storytelling, and technology-driven business management to boost product sales. This initiative also offers community members a platform to pose questions and share insights. Meanwhile, the Department of Agricultural Extension will gather feedback from members to tailor promotion and development policies that align with their specific needs.
The community enterprise, comprising 34 members, specializes in processed organic agricultural products, such as dried longan and freeze-dried mango, generating an income of approximately 10 million baht last year with consistent profit growth.
Currently, there are over 72,000 registered community enterprises nationwide with more than 1.3 million members, spanning agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. The entrepreneurial development project targets six community enterprises, including those in Phetchaburi, Si Sa Ket, Pathum Thani, Rayong, and Ranong Provinces, alongside the one in Lamphun.