Bangkok: The Thai Wholesale and Retail Association points out that the Department of Business Development’s “Local Department Stores Unite for Big Discounts, Thais Help Thais” project will help strengthen the potential of SME entrepreneurs and mom-and-pop stores, aligning with the “Half-Half Plus” initiative, increasing purchasing power among the public and supporting the sustainable grassroots economy.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Somchai Ponrattanacharoen, Honorary Advisor to the Thai Wholesale and Retail Association, described the “Local Department Stores Unite for Big Discounts, Thais Help Thais” sale event organized by the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, as an important measure to alleviate the cost of living and enhance the potential of local shops and SMEs to compete equally with large businesses and online platforms.
Mr. Somchai stated that there are currently over 400,000 mom-and-pop stores nationwide, most of which face intense competition due to changing consumer behavior and the expansion of online platforms. Therefore, the local product discount program serves as a stimulus to stimulate local economic circulation and provides an opportunity for local businesses to develop into modern trade systems.
The “Half-Half Plus” program is a policy that directly increases purchasing power among citizens, particularly those in the low- and middle-income groups. The government’s design allows for comprehensive participation by small shops and small entrepreneurs. The inclusion of the “Local Department Stores Unite for Big Discounts, Thais Help Thais” product sale expo further enhances the effectiveness of economic stimulus measures.
The government is recommended to use these short-term projects as a springboard for sustainable development, such as entrepreneurship training, tax breaks, and low-interest loans, to strengthen the grassroots economy in the long term.
Mr. Somchai also stated that economic stimulus measures serve as a “temporary painkiller” to alleviate the suffering caused by the high cost of living. However, the key is to provide “long-term vitamins” to local grocery stores and entrepreneurs, enabling them to modernize their management systems, integrate digitally, and sustainably compete. This will help strengthen Thailand’s grassroots economy.