Many visitors to Thailand soon discover the OTOP markets in most towns and villages and become enchanted by the concept. “OTOP” stands for “One Tambon, One Product." The word “tambon” means a small town or village in Thai. The concept actually originated in Japan as a way to improve the fortunes of the people inhabiting rural areas. 

One product is chosen to represent the town or village, and the local and regional government adds marketing expertise and funds to provide people with publicity and a market for their goods. 
 

Boosting the Local Economy

The concept was an instant hit, and today, savvy visitors to Thailand often seek out the OTOP markets and consider them the best sources of quality souvenirs and handicrafts. These markets have expanded beyond a single product, and today, they also serve as general marketplaces and places to socialize. They have boosted the local economy and enabled local people to improve their lives.

Wide Variety of Products

Towns and villages throughout the country develop considerable expertise in creating certain products. Among the hills in northern Thailand, the villages are known for exquisite silver jewelry, woven cotton fabrics, and carved wood handicrafts. In central Thailand, bamboo and terra cotta are used to create beautiful and useful household items, and vast selections of fruit are offered for sale in the OTOP markets. The southern towns and villages of the country are known for their natural woven products from lipao and pandanus reeds and for their batik fabrics.

Creating Thriving Businesses

Rural OTOP products are chosen for promotion due to their quality and potential for export. The government has classified all OTOP products, and each category is graded based on quality control, meeting deadlines, production efficiency and capacity, and meeting marketing challenges. The five categories include:

• Food
• Beverage
• Textiles and apparel
• Furnishings, decorations and souvenirs
• Herbal products

Although the markets may appear quaint and colorful to visitors, they add significantly to the regional Thai economy and teach vendors the basic business skills of design, production management, accounting, inventory control, and marketing.

The vendors take a lot of pride in the products they offer and are happy to demonstrate the quality of the products and show off their best-sellers.

Explore Patong’s OTOP Shopping Paradise

Visitors to Phuket looking for a unique shopping experience are in for a treat. One of the most colorful and vibrant OTOP markets is located in the popular west coast Phuket town of Patong Beach on Rat-U-tit road in the southern area of the beach town.

Patong OTOP Shopping Paradise doesn't open until 5 PM, after the sun has set and the heat of the day has cooled a bit. It's a large, covered space with many stalls offering a wide variety of the most popular OTOP products. However, being a popular destination for many visitors and tourists to Phuket, it also has many delicious restaurants, street food stalls, and small bars.

It’s a wonderfully colorful and bustling place where you can browse the stalls for quality souvenirs. It's the perfect place to spend the evening on a family vacation browsing the food stalls and restaurants with something for everyone to enjoy.

Visit Andamanda Phuket

Andamanda Phuket is a large and exciting waterpark just inland from Patong Beach. It’s one of Phuket’s most popular tourist attractions, with a variety of unique jungle areas, water attractions, and wide beaches with comfortable cabanas. After a day of riding the waterslides, rafting around Coral World, exploring Naga Jungle, and discovering the Emerald Pool, Flow Rider, and Angel’s Slides of the Emerald Forest, take a well-deserved break and browse The Bazaar at Andamanda. The Bazaar is our fascinating retail area where guests can explore Thai handicrafts and souvenirs manufactured under the OTOP program.

The Bazaar is proud to stock a wide range of high-quality OTOP brands, including Khun Mae Ju Phuket, which offers a variety of dried food and local food products visitors can take home as souvenirs; Wanna Tie Dye, a 100% natural tie dye fabric made from mangosteen peels; and Krajood Bags, delicate and intricate Thai handicrafts made from locally sourced materials. Browse the complete line of OTOP brands and products available at the Bazaar.

If you want to see more of these types of products, Patong OTOP Shopping Paradise is just a short drive from Andamanda Phuket and the ideal destination after an exciting family day at the waterpark.

Explore the world of OTOP. On your next vacation to Phuket, plan to visit both Andamanda Phuket and Patong OTOP Shopping Paradise.