The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), led by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), is gearing up for an extended phase of the Transform: New-normal Market Campaign after receiving a solid outcome from the initial phase. Now focusing on 25 provinces, the new phase will enhance the abilities of vendors, hawkers, stalls and Thai SMEs to apply digital technology to meet the demands of the modern business world. It will lift the bar of digital skills, knowledge and proficiencies throughout business operations. According to the ministry’s appraisal, the Transform: New-normal Market Campaign will generate over 300 million baht in economic value.
H.E. Mr. Chaiwut Thanakmanusorn, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), revealed that, “These days, consumers increasingly prefer to shop online. So, the ministry, as per depa, its main agency to promote and support businesspeople to access and apply digital technology effectively, initially launched the Transform: New-normal Market Campaign in 2022. We started in ten pilot provinces, namely, Bangkok, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Pathom, Chainat, Sing Buri, Lopburi, Pathumthani, Nonthaburi, Samuthsakorn, and Samuthprakarn. The first phase aimed at encouraging entrepreneurs, market owners, vendors, hawkers and Thai SMEs to apply digital technology to increase their business proficiency. This would lead to the development of a new competitive market model that would meet the needs expressed by today's consumer behaviours. In so doing, it would drive the country towards a sustainable and balanced digital economy and society in accordance with the ministry’s digital economy and society development plan.”
“So far, the Transform: New-normal Market Campaign has successfully revamped over 300 fresh markets. Some 30,050 market owners, vendors, hawkers and SMEs have joined the campaign. The digital knowledge and skills of over 1.2 million target operators has been increased and over 300 million baht in economic value has been created.”
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of depa, added that: “Following phase one success, depa will extend its Transform: New-normal Market Campaign to another 25 target provinces, namely, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Nan, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhorn Ratchasima, Burirum, Maha Sarakham, Ayuthaya, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Saraburi, Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, and Trang. This marks a further step forward in promoting the business efficiency of these operators by reducing their costs, increasing their revenues and meeting the requirements of modern business competency. To promote higher digital skills and knowledge, the campaign includes five online courses as well as other promotional activities such as digital technology exhibitions, business matching and creation of a digital marketplace prototype.”
“Transform: New-normal Market Campaign is one of depa’s eight major projects for 2023 being undertaken under the concept of DIGITAL INFINITY. Supported by the Digital Economy and Society Development Fund (DE Fund), the projects are designed to enhance the quality of life in Thailand. At the same time, they prepare Thailand's transition to being a digital economy and society. We believe that this extended campaign will become a major mechanism in promoting SMEs, vendors, hawks and stalls as well as fresh markets throughout the country to apply digital technology to lower their costs, increase their sales channels and directly answer to customers’ needs, thereby helping the operators to survive and thrive. Our extended campaign appraisal expects to render over 300 million baht in economic value creation.”
Those interested can follow news and updates on the Transform: New-normal Market Campaign at transformmarket.depa.or.th or send inquiries via e-mail to atinfo.transformmarket@gmail.com and LINE OA: @transformmarket