The move was confirmed during the 2/2026 meeting of the Provincial Knowledge-Based OTOP (KBO) Network Committee, chaired by Vice Governor Teeraphong Chuaychoo at Phuket Provincial Hall earlier this week.
The meeting, attended by Phuket Provincial Development Officer Chaiwut Krutmas, agency representatives and OTOP entrepreneurs, reviewed progress under the Knowledge-Based OTOP (KBO) Network Promotion Project for the 2026 fiscal year.
Officials reported that the project has focused on strengthening the capabilities of local producers through workshops and training, including improving product quality, packaging design, branding and value-added development to better meet market demand.
As part of the programme, 20 products developed under the KBO initiative were evaluated and scored against competition criteria by the Phuket Provincial Community Development Office.
The three highest-ranking products selected to represent Phuket in national competition are:
- Fishing nets and shopper bags by the ‘Live Like a Local’ group
- ‘Phuket Signature’ scented candles inspired by the island’s scent, by the Chomhom group
- Hair serum by the Arunrung Farm group
The committee noted that the selected products demonstrated strong innovation, quality and market potential, making them suitable ambassadors for the province on the national stage.
The meeting also set out the next phase of development, with a focus on supporting high-potential entrepreneur groups and expanding market access to generate sustainable income for local communities.
Officials said the initiative reflects Phuket’s commitment to raising OTOP standards, increasing product value and strengthening competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
‘LIVE LIKE A LOCAL’ RECYCLING SUCCESS
In a related development, Vice Governor Teeraphong on Tuesday (Apr 28) led the Community Product Standard (CPS) Certification Committee on a site visit to the ‘Live Like a Local’ brand in Rawai.
The visit aimed to inspect production processes for certified recycled-material products and to encourage greater awareness among entrepreneurs of the value of reusing waste materials.
The ‘Live Like a Local’ group has gained attention for transforming discarded marine debris – including old fishing nets, ropes, buoys and plastic waste – into marketable products such as bags, household items and souvenirs.
The initiative was inspired by the group’s proximity to coastal communities, where marine debris regularly washes ashore and threatens the ecosystem.
By combining traditional fishing knowledge, such as net weaving, with modern design, the group has created products that reflect local identity while promoting environmental responsibility.
Vice Governor Teeraphong said the project demonstrates how materials often seen as waste can be turned into valuable products through creativity and development.
He added that such initiatives serve as a strong example of how environmental conservation can go hand in hand with income generation for local communities.
The province will continue to support environmentally friendly community products and encourage the public to adopt more sustainable consumption habits, he said, in order to protect Phuket’s marine resources for the future.