On November 1, Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit Pongsakornrangsilp, Vice President of Walailak University and head of the Krabi Model Year 2 research project, disclosed that on October 30, 2023, he, along with researchers from the Krabi Model project, attended a meeting with government agencies in Krabi Province. The meeting included key agricultural network leaders, community entrepreneurs, and representatives from public and private sectors, including Ji-O shops, Krabi souvenir shops, Ao Nang Princeville Hotel, Vogue Krabi Department Store, and the Krabi Chamber of Commerce. The meeting, held at the Nuea Khlong Conference Room in the Krabi Provincial Hall, aimed to present research findings funded by the Program Management Unit for Area-based Development (PMU A).
The event was honored by the presence of Mr. Somchai Hanpakdeepatima, Deputy Governor of Krabi Province, who visited the exhibition area showcasing products developed under the Krabi Model project. These products garnered significant interest from the attending businesses. The Deputy Governor linked the Krabi Model project to the budget allocation for the 2024 fiscal year operational plan, securing a budget of 2.9 million baht for various agencies to drive the network under the Krabi Model project. There will be further monitoring of the budget preparation for the 2025 fiscal year operational plan.
Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit stated that this is the second year of the project, focusing on driving the grassroots economy in six areas: oil palm, goats, seaweed, batik fabric, and marketing. The objective is to develop and empower networks of farmers and community entrepreneurs in Krabi Province to be resilient to external changes and risks that could affect their livelihoods. The initiative emphasizes the importance of proactive action, encouraging these networks to operate independently and take initiative.
Researchers and expert faculty members act as mentors and advisors, fostering the development of local innovators within the community. By the project’s conclusion, these networks should be able to sustainably develop and expand their activities. The project’s success is partly measured by the increased income of the farmers and community entrepreneurs and their ability to independently innovate and develop further.
The project’s progress has attracted interest from private sector entities participating in the activities, who are willing to distribute the products developed under the Krabi Model without any charges. This support aims to help local communities develop and grow sustainably. Importantly, farmers and community entrepreneurs are now collaborating, exchanging ideas, and working together under the “Think SMEs, Act OTOP” concept, which emphasizes independent and proactive action.
“The Krabi Model is a significant research project aligned with Walailak University’s research policies. It underscores the university’s commitment to using research and scientific knowledge to drive social progress and sustainable development,” said Associate Professor Dr. Siwarit.