On 7 December 2022, Mrs. Ureerat Chareontoh, Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with by Mr. Karma Tenzin, Deputy Chamberlain, the Queen’s Project Office to discuss and follow up on the activities under the Project on Sustainable Community Development Model Based on the Application of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for One Gewog One Product (OGOP) Villages in Bhutan (OGOP Model II). The OGOP Model II project is the extension project after the success of the OGOP Model I Project, as instructed by Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck of Bhutan, in order to continue and further develop the activities that TICA, together with Chiang Mai Rajabhat University and the Queen’s Project Office, have initiated and designed together. The OGOP Model II project is being implemented in 6 target areas throughout Bhutan, with the new element of innovative eco-tourism concept being added to the project.

In addition to this, the Royal Thai Government, through TICA, dispatched volunteers under the “Friends From Thailand (FFT)” programme to assist the project implementation, especially in local product development. There are currently 3 FFT volunteers stationing in Bhutan, namely (1) Mr. Tharid Wisankid, stationing in Trongsa, Wangdue Phodrang and Tsirang; (2) Mr. Phalakrit Karahong, stationing in Haa, Lhuentse and Trashi Yangtse; and (3) Ms. Apisara Bumrungjit stationing at the Queen’s Project Office.

During the meeting, Deputy Chamberlain expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Royal Thai Government for her continued support on the implementation of this OGOP. As of now, OGOP products have been developed and expanded to all provinces around Bhutan and the QPO is planning to further develop a more variety of products to help increasing income generating activities for people in the local communities. Director-General of TICA emphasised the importance that the key success to this project relies on the adaptation of OGOP products to be more suited to the taste and market demands of the local communities and the people of Bhutan as well. Therefore, inputs and advice on how to develop OGOP products that will suit the market demand and context of each community are invaluable making this project a successful and sustainable one. FFTs who are currently stationing in various project sites can be helpful to work together with QPO and local communities to develop unique and marketable OGOP products.

On this occasion, Director-General of TICA also formally handed over a set of necessary equipment,  to the OGOP production house, as part of the activities under the Project on Sustainable Community Development Model Based on the Application of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for One Gewog One Product (OGOP) Villages in Bhutan (OGOP Model II) to Mr. Karma Tenzin, Deputy Chamberlain.