The Office of Provincial Commercial Affairs Songkhla is a government agency operating under Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce. Strategically located in Hat Yai, Songkhla Province—one of southern Thailand’s most dynamic economic zones—the office plays a pivotal role in supporting trade facilitation, SME development, market intelligence, and regional export promotion.
Core Mission
The office’s central mission is to drive provincial economic growth through effective trade policy execution, business support, and market development. It acts as a vital connector between local businesses and international markets by promoting competitiveness, capacity building, and regulatory support.
Services & Functions
The Office of Commercial Affairs Songkhla provides a wide array of services to businesses and stakeholders:
- Export Documentation & Compliance:
- Issuance of Certificates of Origin (Form D, Form E, etc.)
- Verification for compliance with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
- SME Business Advisory:
- Support for market entry strategy, packaging and labeling, trade regulations
- Training on e-commerce and digital transformation
- Trade Information & Market Research:
- Customized sector reports, regional trade performance analysis
- Access to national trade databases and buyer directories
- Trade Promotion Activities:
- Organization of and participation in regional and international trade exhibitions
- Business matching and buyer-seller meetups
- Price & Market Monitoring:
- Oversight of consumer goods pricing and monitoring anti-dumping issues in Songkhla
Specialisation & Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Gateway to Southern Thailand’s Cross-Border Trade: Located near the Thai-Malaysian border, Songkhla is critical for cross-border commerce and logistics, and the office leverages this positioning.
- Integrated Government Support: Coordinates with the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Customs, and BOI to streamline investment and export services.
- Regional Data Analytics: Provides real-time pricing and trade data to both the public and private sector.
- SME-Focused Programs: Tailored seminars, workshops, and consulting tailored to Songkhla’s economic sectors—particularly agro-products, seafood, and rubber.
Economic Impact & Engagement
- Over 2,000 Exporters and SMEs Served Annually
- Contributes to Songkhla’s export economy valued at over USD 3 billion, primarily in seafood, processed foods, rubber products, and consumer electronics.
- Hosted/coordinated 10+ trade exhibitions and B2B events in FY2023.
- Facilitated business delegations and virtual trade missions with Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and China.
Target Audience
- Export-Oriented SMEs: Seeking market expansion and documentation assistance.
- Local Manufacturers & Traders: Accessing trade data, price stabilization, and promotional support.
- New Entrepreneurs: Enrolled in programs for digital skills, packaging design, and market-readiness.
- Investors & Importers: Provided with regional data and facilitation services for sourcing or investment.
Capabilities
- Trade Facilitation Desk: Fully staffed unit offering real-time export certification and trade consultancy.
- Event Management & Promotion: Capable of coordinating exhibitions, fairs, and investment forums at provincial and national levels.
- Data Services: Maintains up-to-date commodity price monitoring and local trade statistics.
- E-Commerce Development Initiatives: Supports online trade readiness for SMEs via workshops and digital tools.
Certifications & Institutional Integration
- Operates under the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand
- Linked with national systems for trade certification (e.g., e-CO system for Certificate of Origin)
- Member of interagency task forces on trade compliance and export promotion
Stakeholder Testimonials
“Our company was able to export rubber components to Malaysia thanks to the support in documentation and pricing strategy we received from the Songkhla commerce office.”
— Owner, SME Manufacturer, Hat Yai
“The training sessions on food safety and packaging standards were instrumental in helping us expand to Singapore’s retail market.”
— Agri-processed Goods Exporter, Songkhla Province
Major Achievements
- Streamlined Export Certification for 1,500+ companies in 2023
- Hosted the Songkhla Export Gateway Trade Fair with participation from over 300 local and ASEAN buyers
- Instrumental in Price Stabilization Programs during key agricultural harvest seasons
- Rolled Out E-Commerce Enablement Initiative for more than 200 regional SMEs
The Office of Provincial Commercial Affairs Songkhla serves as a cornerstone for regional trade development, combining local knowledge, regulatory expertise, and cross-border connectivity to foster a thriving export economy in southern Thailand.