The campaign push was held at a press conference In front of the Dragon Statue at Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket Town on Friday (Jan 19).
Joining Governor Sophon for the campaign launch were Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksomboon and Kongsak Koophongsakorn, President of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce.
Also present was Jirayu Keeprasertphong, representing community enterprise Pracharath Rak Samakkee Phuket Co Ltd. The company is a Phuket-based social enterprise formed under the national project “Pracharath Rak Samakkee Social Enterprise (Thailand) Co Ltd”, which provides an online platform for small vendors to sell their goods, services and produce (see here).
Dr Kwannaphatson Chantalay, Managing Director of Pracharat Rak Samakkhi Co Ltd, was also at the press conference to lend his support for the initiative.
The campaign, now revived for the eighth year, still uses its traditional slogan “Ong Lai Po Pi Peng Aaan”, or “Phuket pineapple brings fortune”, but this year with the addition of “for the Year of the Dragon 2024”.
Again, Phuket pineapples are being sold in gift boxes each containing two Phuket pineapples for the price of B235 per box. The community enterprise is offering free delivery to anywhere in the country.
While the gift box prices might seem substantial, it was explained that local residents can still enjoy Phuket pineapples at local prices of B30-50 each at local markets and selected stores across the island.
‘Ong Lai’, or Phuket pineapple, is a recognised Geographical Indication (GI) product of Phuket province, despite being originally brought to the island from island of Penang in Malaysia.
Of note, ‘Ong Lai’ is the name used by ethnic Chinese in Phuket (Peranankan). ‘Ong Lai’ also means ‘good fortune’. Southern Thais call the Phuket pineapple ‘Ya Nat’.
Proceeds from the sale of Ong Lai through the Phuket community enterprise go directly towards supporting local farmers on the island.
Ong Lai can be ordered through the Pracharath Rak Samakkhi Phuket Co Facebook fan page, or by calling 081-2624799.