In its inaugural year, the project has achieved overwhelming success, receiving participation from 151 entrepreneurs across 37 provinces nationwide. They presented outstanding community products for the chance to sign contracts as producers of the bank's souvenirs, which helps create business growth opportunities for entrepreneurs and generates sustainable income for communities.

Thai Credit Retail Bank Public Company Limited organized the OTOP community product selection contest to serve as souvenirs for the bank, promoting job creation, increasing income, and enhancing the quality of life for local community members. This aligns with the EMpower for Community concept and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The project has already seen significant success in its first year, with overwhelming responses from community entrepreneurs and strong support from the Community Development Department under the Ministry of Interior.

Mr. Winyu Chaiwan, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Credit Retail Bank Public Company Limited stated, “The organization of the community product selection contest, known as OTOP products, reflects the bank's commitment to creating economic and social sustainability for communities. This is in line with the bank's business philosophy of “Everyone Matters”, emphasizing the support and empowerment of communities to be strong and self-reliant through collaboration on beneficial activities that create jobs, increase income, and leverage the community's cultural, lifestyle, and local wisdom to develop unique products that add value.”

In the first round of the contest, 151 entrepreneurs from 37 provinces submitted products, categorized into four levels: Premium, National, Community, and General. Twelve participants advanced to the final round, presenting their standout community products to the judging panel. Those selected for the final round will receive a trophy from Thai Credit Retail Bank Public Company Limited and the opportunity to sign contracts as producers of the bank's souvenirs, fostering business growth for entrepreneurs and generating sustainable income for communities.

The winners of the first prize in the Premium and General categories included the product “Stainless Steel Tableware” by Phothong Aranyik Handiwork from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. In the National category, the winner was “Four Seasons Oolong Tea” by Jatupol Thai Tea (Doi Mae Salong) from Chiang Rai province, and in the Community category, the winner was “Natural Scented Soap Gift Set” by Nature Life Herb from Prachinburi province.

“Winning or losing is merely part of the contest rules. What is more important is our desire to foster participation in the contest, career advancement, and we sincerely hope that this project will help strengthen the local community's economy and society sustainably, which is the foundation for the country's future economic and social growth,” Mr. Winyu concluded.