The government has been successful in setting up "must-see" (<i>tong chom</i>) markets for local people to sell products with local characteristics and is planning to ask the Tourism Authority of Thailand to promote them as new tourist attractions, government spokesman Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on Sunday.
He said the Commerce Ministry had set up 77 "must-see" markets for people to sell local products in all 77 provinces including Bangkok in the first year of the implementation of the government's pracharat (people's state) policy.
Under the policy driven by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, some of these markets are able to generate 400,000 to 500,000 baht in revenue a day, and some families make 5,000-6,000 baht per day by selling local products that show the identity of each locality.
"Must-see markets are where quality local products are sold at resonable prices. The surroundings of the markets are beautified and arranged in a good order to draw tourists," he said.
"Farm, handicraft and consumer products are available at these markets, such as Sarokrao market in Buri Ram, Nawong market in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Kad Khwuang Muang in Nan and Lam Phaya floating market in Nakhon Pathom," Maj Gen Sansern said.
He said the government plans to set up 231 "must-see" markets, three in each province, by 2018.
In the future, the government also plans to push for the TAT to promote these markets to be tourist attractions for the local people to generate income to strengthen local economies, Maj Gen Sansern said.