Thai FDA and DASTA to raise standards and expand markets for local products

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) (DASTA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 5 November 2026 at the Thai FDA’s offices. The agreement, signed by pharmacist Supattra Boonserm, Secretary-General of the Thai FDA, and Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Director-General of DASTA, aims to raise standards for health products in designated sustainable tourism areas, improve the quality and safety of community products, ensure they meet applicable standards and broaden access to markets.

Supattra noted that Thailand has many products rooted in local knowledge with strong potential, but community entrepreneurs still face difficulties with manufacturing standards, obtaining regulatory approval and finding sales channels. The Thai FDA therefore aims to support entrepreneurs alongside its regulatory work, enabling them to develop products and bring them to market in compliance with the rules.

Discussions on the partnership began in September. DASTA initially identified 37 products from 12 entrepreneurs in nine provinces requiring Thai FDA support. Examples include herbal products from Nan, processed Kluai Khai bananas from Kamphaeng Phet and palmyra palm products from Songkhla. The Thai FDA will work with provincial public health offices to advise entrepreneurs on improving production facilities and products, and on preparing applications for regulatory approval.

“The central goal of this partnership is not simply to produce community goods that meet standards and can be sold. Entrepreneurs must also have the knowledge to build on local wisdom and keep developing their own products. Real success means better living conditions for local people and communities that can grow independently,” Supattra said.

Siripakorn explained that DASTA seeks to develop tourism that benefits local people by turning local resources and knowledge into products reflecting each community’s identity. Working with the Thai FDA will help improve product quality, standards and safety, build confidence among consumers and tourists, and connect entrepreneurs with tourism networks to open up more market opportunities.

“We want local products to be more than souvenirs from tourist destinations. They should be goods that communities take pride in, that meet recognised quality standards and that create opportunities for local people to grow alongside sustainable tourism,” Siripakorn said.