Warawut Backs DIPROM Community SkillUp to Foster New Entrepreneurs, Generate Over THB 18 Million in Annual Economic Value
Minister of Industry Warawut Silpa-archa has reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening Thailand's grassroots economy through the “DIPROM Community SkillUp: Empowering Skills, Driving Community Economy” program, aiming to develop a new generation of local entrepreneurs while generating more than THB 18 million in annual economic value.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 fiscal year workshop in Suphan Buri, Warawut said that amid global economic volatility and external uncertainties, Thailand must build greater resilience from within by empowering local communities, enhancing vocational skills, creating sustainable income opportunities, and promoting self-reliance.
He said the Ministry of Industry is placing strong emphasis on human capital development alongside economic growth through the DIPROM Community SkillUp initiative, which equips local communities with practical knowledge, technology, and entrepreneurial skills to transform local resources into value-added products and sustainable businesses.
The Suphan Buri program focuses on three vocational training courses: the production of herbal inhalers and mosquito-repellent sprays, Thai-pattern herbal compresses and high-tech grain compresses designed for sports recovery and wellness, as well as hot and cooling herbal balms. All courses are designed to utilize locally available raw materials, require low production costs, and offer strong potential for commercial development.
Warawut said the project is expected to create more grassroots entrepreneurs by enabling participants to apply newly acquired skills to generate additional income or establish their own small businesses. The initiative also aims to add value to local agricultural products and herbs, helping communities move beyond selling raw materials to producing higher-value products that meet growing market demand.
In addition, products developed through the program can be linked to a wide range of industries, including traditional Thai medicine clinics, massage and spa businesses, health and beauty retailers, souvenir shops, and community product outlets, creating broader market access and new income opportunities for participants.
Nattiya Netayasupa, Director-General of the Department of Industrial Promotion (DIPROM), said the program will train 150 participants, each expected to increase their income by an average of THB 10,000 per month, or approximately THB 120,000 per year. Collectively, the initiative is projected to generate at least THB 18 million in annual economic value.
She added that the program will also create employment opportunities for elderly people, homemakers, farmers, and vulnerable groups with limited access to formal employment, while reducing unemployment and rural-to-urban migration. The initiative is expected to strengthen local communities by creating sustainable careers and expanding community-based entrepreneurship.
The project forms part of the Ministry of Industry's “ONE MIND: One Industry” policy, which integrates the efforts of all agencies under the ministry to expand economic opportunities, strengthen entrepreneurship, enhance industrial competitiveness, and promote sustainable grassroots economic development.
In the long term, the Ministry expects the program to connect community enterprises with Thailand's industrial, tourism, and agro-processing value chains, increase the competitiveness of locally made products, and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable economic growth nationwide.