Bangkok: The Department of Industrial Promotion (DIPROM) is gearing up to host the “DIPROM Thai Charm Festival: Thai Vibe by DIPROM,” an event designed to propel Thai soft power through the food and fashion industries. More than 400 entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to display their products, conduct market trials, and participate in business matchmaking. The initiative aims to invigorate the creative economy and broaden commercial prospects, with expectations of drawing in at least 30,000 attendees and generating a minimum of 250 million baht in economic impact. This aligns with the “DIPROM Community: Here We Give” policy.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, emphasized the global recognition of the Thai food industry’s potential. The ministry is committed to enhancing food soft power by directing the Department of Industrial Promotion to undertake projects such as upgrading Thai Chef Villages, developing local food community chef restaurants, establishing community food innovation centers, and applying innovation to enhance the Thai food and beverage industry. This is consistent with the BCG strategy and aims to bolster Thailand’s creative economy.
Ms. Natthiya Netyasupa, Director-General of the Department of Industrial Promotion, highlighted that the festival is more than a typical trade show; it is a contemporary lifestyle festival that brings together food, beverage, fashion, agricultural, and tourism entrepreneurs under the “4 for 1 Reform” strategy. This strategy focuses on improving product quality, strengthening confidence in Thai brands, and expanding trade opportunities, including event sales, business agreements, and international market expansion.
The event is organized into four main zones:
The DIPROM Pavilion, themed ‘Empowering Local, Elevating Global,’ will feature community creative works, cooking demonstrations, and new innovations.
The Soft Power 4 Regions zone will simulate the architectural and cultural identity of Thailand’s four regions, showcasing famous restaurants, “Hidden Gems” menus, and cultural performances.
Sane Thai Caf© will host over 28 craft coffee, tea, and cocoa shops, alongside workshops and brewing demonstrations by renowned baristas.
The D-Prom Fashion Zone will exhibit an array of Thai fashion, from traditional Thai fabrics to contemporary design clothing, with fashion shows by emerging designers.
Special activities will include creative fashion shows, demonstrations of “food of the future” using local technology and ingredients, and a forum for connecting entrepreneurs with business partners domestically and internationally. This event is set to position Thailand as a global food hub and inspire Thai SMEs to establish a strong presence on the international stage.