
Thailand’s Halal SMEs go online with THA Shop
The Halal Science Center (HSC) of Chulalongkorn University has opened Thailand’s first THA Shop as a sales point for Halal SMEs. THA stands for Thailand Halal Authority.
Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Alongkorn Polabut, presided over the opening of the THA Shop. The shop is an amalgamation of premium goods from across Thailand. The products are for sale in Bangkok as well as online. Products sold include firstly, Halal products. Secondly, OTOP goods. And finally, state enterprise products. The shop also offers unique provincial offerings such as ready-to-eat meals, snacks, drinks and health supplements.
The shop is located at Suan Luang Square in Soi Chulalongkorn 12. Users can also access the THA shop online at Facebook page thashopbkk or via Shopee.
Director of the Halal Science Center, Winai Dahlan, remarked that SMEs are the key to economic progress. He pointed that out there are currently over 3.1 million SMEs in Thailand. These SMEs contribute 34 percent of the GDP.
THA Shop and HSC background
HSC of Chulalongkorn University was established in 2003. It was initially referred to as the Central Laboratory and Scientific Information Center for Halal Food Development (Halal-CELSIC). The centre provides food manufacturing R&D services for the Halal food manufacturing industry in Thailand. HSC offers a Bachelor program in Nutrition and Dietetics. The program aims to produce high-quality graduates that specialise in Halal food standards, food manufacturing and food certification.
Euromonitor values Thailand’s Halal Food Manufacturing industry as worth USD 6 billion. Before Covid, the industry was growing at 8% annually.
The role of the THA Shop is to promote sales for such businesses.
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely dampened SMEs. The THA shop will also aid many SMEs in Thailand. In turn, they will remain afloat and hire more people.
In conclusion, we wish the THA Shop success in its endeavours.