The Government has supported relevant agencies in Bangkok and the provinces to push for more exports of famous products in the southern border province of Pattani through the use of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).

Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs and Acting Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri said that the export expansion of local products in Pattani would be carried out under the project “Network Creation Linking Four Southern Border Provinces with AFTA.”

The Department of Trade Negotiations on 1 June 2023 organized a seminar in Pattani to give a boost to sales of major products in this province, which positions itself as a source for agricultural goods and halal products of high quality.

More than 150 members of community enterprises and farmers brought their products to be put on display and on sale, such as batik fabric, fish crackers, velvet tamarind (locally called luk yi), stingless bee honey, and ginger. They were provided with knowledge about AFTA, marketing strategies, and the international market outlook.

Relevant agencies are ready to help develop local products in response to the needs of consumers and the market demand, which emphasize environmental concern and sustainability. Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha wanted local people to make use of the free trade area in exporting products under the “One Tambon (Subdistrict), One Product,” or “OTOP” program, as well as geographical indication (GI) products. He believes that the FTA could open up greater business opportunities and reduce trade barriers for Thai entrepreneurs.

Statistics compiled in 2022 show that Pattani exported fresh, frozen, and canned crabs worth 46 million US dollars to foreign countries, mainly China, Australia, and South Korea. It exported fish crackers worth 103 million dollars to such major markets as China, Australia, and Cambodia. Pattani also exported dried fish to Japan, Sri Lanka, and the United States and fabric, especially batik, to India, Pakistan, and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Development Bank of Thailand has offered special credit to SME operators in Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and four districts of Songkhla (Thepha, Chana, Na Thawi, and Saba Yoi). The objective is to enable them to expand their businesses and investments, which will lead to more employment and income generation. 

Local entrepreneurs will be offered a loan of 20 million baht, with a repayment period of 10 years. They may obtain more information at the Call Center 1357.