The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is a government agency under Thailand's Ministry of Commerce, tasked with promoting and developing Thai international trade. Located in Nonthaburi, DITP serves as the principal body supporting Thai businesses, exporters, and investors in accessing global markets through policy support, trade facilitation, and international marketing initiatives.
Brief History
DITP was established to drive Thailand’s export strategy and trade competitiveness on the global stage. Over the decades, it has evolved from a basic export-support unit to a fully integrated international trade agency with global operations, digital infrastructure, and deep industry ties. It plays a pivotal role in achieving Thailand’s long-term economic goals through export-led growth and innovation.
Core Business
As a government agency, DITP’s core responsibilities include:
- Promoting Thai goods and services in international markets
- Enhancing Thai exporters’ competitiveness through training, digital tools, and funding
- Organizing international trade fairs, business matching, and trade missions
- Supporting policy development and regulatory harmonization for trade facilitation
- Maintaining trade offices in key cities around the world to support local exporters and foreign buyers
Product and Service Offerings
While DITP does not trade in goods itself, it enables and promotes the international sale of Thai products and services across sectors, including:
- Food & Agriculture: Fresh produce, seafood, processed food, spices
- Lifestyle & Fashion: Garments, jewelry, handicrafts
- Industrial Products: Automotive parts, electronics, machinery
- Services: Thai cuisine, health & wellness, tourism, creative services
DITP provides the following services:
- Business Matching (ThaiTrade Fair & Online Platforms)
- Training Programs: Export regulations, digital trade, sustainability standards
- Market Intelligence: Country-specific trade reports, buyer guides
- Export Readiness Assessments
- Digital Tools: ThaiTrade.com, DITP One, DITP Overseas Network Centers
Specialization and Core USP
DITP stands out for:
- Global Reach: Over 58 international Thai Trade Centers (TTCs) worldwide
- Sectoral Expertise: Dedicated departments for food, fashion, digital, and industrial sectors
- Large-scale Trade Events: Organizer of THAIFEX-Anuga Asia, STYLE Bangkok, TILOG-Logistics
- Digitalization of Trade Support: Leader in transitioning Thailand’s export support ecosystem to digital-first platforms
- Free Access to Global Market Tools: Thai exporters benefit from fully subsidized participation and learning
Financials
As a government agency, DITP operates under the national budget of the Ministry of Commerce. Its funding covers:
- Annual trade fairs and global exhibitions
- Digital platform development
- Training and certification programs
- Overseas offices and bilateral cooperation programs
In 2023, Thailand’s total exports reached USD 283.5 billion, and DITP’s promotional efforts directly supported approximately 55% of all SME export activities through platform engagement and grant support.
Shipment Data
Although DITP does not engage in shipment logistics, its impact is felt through the export growth of the sectors it supports. In 2023:
- Food and agricultural product exports rose by 7.2% year-on-year
- Processed fruit exports reached USD 2.3 billion
- DITP-supported exhibitors at THAIFEX generated more than USD 2 billion in trade value
- Over 5,000 Thai exporters were onboarded to DITP digital platforms
Target Market
DITP supports:
- Thai SMEs looking to enter or expand in global markets
- Foreign buyers, importers, and investors seeking reliable Thai suppliers
- Trade promotion organizations in partner countries
- Policy makers and international trade bodies engaging in bilateral or multilateral trade negotiations with Thailand
Capabilities
- Global Thai Trade Centers (TTCs) in cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, Frankfurt, Dubai, Los Angeles, and more
- National Digital Infrastructure: ThaiTrade.com (B2B marketplace), DITP One (Trade tools hub), and Match.Me (Virtual trade matching)
- Support Ecosystem: Export Clinics, Consultant Networks, IP and Brand Protection, Translation and Design Support
- Integration with MOUs and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to drive market access
Certifications and Compliance Records
DITP guides Thai businesses in complying with international standards by:
- Facilitating GlobalG.A.P., HACCP, GMP, Halal, Organic certifications
- Promoting sustainable trade practices through green labeling programs
- Cooperating with international certification bodies and compliance platforms
DITP itself operates under the governance of the Thai government’s Ministry of Commerce and is subject to public-sector audit and compliance protocols.
Customer Testimonials
While formal testimonials are not publicly highlighted, repeated high participation in DITP-organized events and platforms demonstrates consistent stakeholder trust. Notable achievements include:
- Long-term partnerships with over 200 international buyers’ groups
- Thailand’s ranking among the top 15 global food exporters, attributed partly to DITP’s coordinated trade strategy
- Positive reviews from foreign participants of THAIFEX, STYLE Bangkok, and ThaiTrade.com
Major Achievements
- THAIFEX-Anuga Asia: Co-host of Asia’s leading F&B trade show with over 3,000 exhibitors and 78,000 visitors annually
- ThaiTrade.com: Thailand’s official cross-border B2B marketplace with over 30,000 registered exporters
- Global Thai Campaigns: Thai SELECT (Cuisine), T Mark (Trusted Quality), and Thailand 4.0 branding
- COVID-19 Pivot: Successfully launched virtual trade fairs and digital matching events during 2020–2022
- Sustainability Focus: Integration of SDGs into export readiness training and product development support
The Department of International Trade Promotion remains central to Thailand’s international economic strategy, empowering Thai exporters to meet the demands of the global marketplace with resilience, innovation, and competitiveness.
