The Grassroots Economy Development Working Group, led by Mr. Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, President and CEO of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, in his capacity as Head of the Private Sector Team, held its Annual Seminar 2025 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The event was attended by over 1,000 representatives from the public, private, and civil society sectors, as well as academic institutions and community networks, who gathered to exchange experiences and learn about new policies for advancing the grassroots economy.

Mr. Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi detailed the initiative's journey: “As the Head of the Private Sector Team, I am delighted and immensely proud to have been part of driving the progress of the Grassroots Economy Development Working Group for ten consecutive years. We have been guided by the Royal First Command of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua to ‘preserve, continue, and build upon’ the royal legacy and to reign with righteousness for the benefit of the people. We also adhere to the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great as a framework for developing Thailand’s grassroots economy, with the core goals of generating community income and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.

The working group has advanced development across three key sectors that form the foundation of the Thai economy: Agriculture, Processing, and Community-based Tourism. We have focused on increasing trade opportunities, developing products, enhancing value, and expanding market access. This aligns with government policy aimed at strengthening the nation from within, seeking new opportunities to improve competitiveness, and guiding the country towards sustainable development.

Over the course of our operations, the Grassroots Economy Development Working Group has initiated over 1,800 community projects, benefiting more than 153,000 households and generating a cumulative income of over THB 3.02 billion for these communities. We have also actively engaged the new generation, encouraging their participation in local development through collaborative learning and creative problem-solving to complement traditional wisdom and build sustainable community strength.

This collaborative spirit has yielded tangible results, as seen in projects such as:

• The Safe Food Hospital Project, which connects local farmers directly with the public health system.

• The Pha Khao Ma: Local Thai Handicraft Project, which, through its Creative Young Designer activity, has fostered concrete collaboration between the government, private sector, communities, and educational institutions to add economic value to the traditional Thai loincloth and elevate local craftsmanship to a wider market.

• The Community-based Tourism: Following the Footsteps of Luang Pu Mun Bhuridatto Project, which not only creates economic opportunities but also serves as a bridge to share the rich local heritage with visitors and younger generations. This initiative has been further supported by a media partnership with the "Chuen Jai Thailand" program on Amarin TV, which has successfully promoted the unique identity and charm of over 80 communities, leading to a sustained average annual income growth of 20-30%.

Finally, I wish to affirm that the Grassroots Economy Development Working Group is committed to driving progress in all dimensions to solidify the grassroots economy as a stable foundation for Thailand. I extend my deepest gratitude to all partners for their powerful collaboration in promoting and developing a strong grassroots economy, which enhances the quality of life for our people and communities while contributing to national development. We believe in the power of ‘Inspiration from All for Sustainable Communities.’”

We invite you to visit and support local products at the SX Marketplace, located on Floor LG, Halls 7-8, at SUSTAINABILITY EXPO 2025 (SX2025). The event is held from September 26 to October 5, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.