Kanchanaburi: OR launched its first 'Market of Happiness' event of 2026, utilizing space within PTT Stations in Mueang Kanchanaburi district. This provided a free platform for farmers and local entrepreneurs to sell consumer goods, agricultural products, and community products, aiming to reduce costs, increase income, and stimulate the grassroots economy. This aligns with the 'Thai Helps Thai Plus' initiative, which began its first day amidst a lively shopping atmosphere.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ekanat Promphan, Minister of Energy, presided over the opening ceremony of the first 'Market of Happiness' event of 2026 at PTT Station, Khiri Thong Kham Co., Ltd., Tha Makham Subdistrict, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province. He stated that he was pleased to inaugurate the first day of the official launch of the 'Thai Helps Thai Plus' project, noting the lively atmosphere and increased spending at the event. Mr. Ekanat explained that the 'Market of Happiness' concept is supported by the government and reflects the role of PTT Oil and Retail Public Company Limited (OR), a state-owned enterprise that does not solely focus on profit but also considers the benefits of the people, communities, and the nation. In particular, it utilizes the potential of gas stations to help local entrepreneurs find sales channels and increase their income. OR has played a significant role in supporting the country's energy sector, including promoting the use of biofuels through B20 diesel, which reduces crude oil imports and lowers costs for farmers, transport operators, trucks, and pickup trucks nationwide.
"I have discussed with OR's management the possibility of utilizing PTT Station space as a hub for selling local products, helping to generate income for the community and stimulate the grassroots economy in a tangible way," said Mr. Ekanat. M.L. Piktong Thongyai, Chief Executive Officer of PTT Oil and Retail Public Company Limited (OR), stated that the "Tern Suk Market" is one of OR's ongoing projects to support local entrepreneurs, farmers, and the community economy. This is achieved by providing free space within PTT Stations for small retailers to sell consumer goods, agricultural products, and local products, reducing costs and increasing income opportunities. M.L. Piktong added that the project aligns with the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" initiative, which began its first day of operation, aiming to stimulate the domestic economy. She also reinforced PTT Station's role as more than just a gas station, but a space connecting people, communities, and economic opportunities.
The 'Tern Suk Market' is not just a place to sell products, but also a crucial mechanism for building relationships with the community, passing on opportunities, and jointly driving sustainable growth of the grassroots economy, in line with the OR concept of 'Adding Opportunities for Shared Growth',' said M.L. Piktong. The event featured a variety of agricultural and consumer products from local communities, including Thong Pha Phum durian and Thong Pha Phum rambutan, both Geographical Indication (GI) products of Kanchanaburi province; melons from local farmers; pesticide-free vegetables and fruits; corn milk; as well as food and community products from small-scale entrepreneurs near PTT Stations. This aimed to provide people with access to quality agricultural products and directly generate income for the community.
The "Market of Happiness" project aims to support small-scale local entrepreneurs, increase income opportunities for communities, provide free trading space within PTT Stations, promote agricultural and local products, and reinforce the role of service stations as Community Living Spaces-centralized areas connecting producers, entrepreneurs, and consumers more easily. This will lead to the creation of economic opportunities and sustainable community growth in the long term.