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- He emphasized that Nanyang continues to use 100 percent genuine Thai natural rubber in its products, a feature that has long contributed to the durability and reputation of the brand among generations of Thai students.
- The company also reaffirmed its adherence to the Thai Industrial Standard for canvas shoes, known as TIS 132-2564, becoming the first and only canvas shoe producer in Thailand to receive the certification.
Bangkok Business PR News: As Thailand’s new academic year begins under mounting economic pressure, leading Thai canvas shoe maker Nanyang has announced that it will freeze school shoe prices despite rising production and energy costs, offering relief to families already struggling with higher living expenses. The move comes at a time when back-to-school spending has become a major indicator of household financial strength across the country, particularly among middle- and lower-income families.
Image Credit: Nanyang
School shoes are one of the few expenses that almost every Thai household with children must face simultaneously each year. From urban centers to provincial communities, parents are now carefully weighing every purchase as inflation and global energy instability continue affecting daily life. This Bangkok Business PR News report finds that Nanyang is positioning itself not only as a footwear manufacturer but also as a brand attempting to stand alongside Thai consumers during difficult economic conditions.
Mr. Chaipach Saosotthikul, Managing Director of Nanyang Industry Co., Ltd., said the company understands how sensitive household spending becomes during the school reopening period. Although raw material and operational costs have increased substantially, the company decided not to raise prices in order to avoid placing additional burdens on parents preparing their children for the new term. He emphasized that Nanyang continues to use 100 percent genuine Thai natural rubber in its products, a feature that has long contributed to the durability and reputation of the brand among generations of Thai students. The company also reaffirmed its adherence to the Thai Industrial Standard for canvas shoes, known as TIS 132-2564, becoming the first and only canvas shoe producer in Thailand to receive the certification.
According to the company, maintaining quality standards while controlling prices is part of a broader responsibility toward Thai society. Nanyang believes that families should still be able to access reliable and durable products without sacrificing affordability, especially during periods of economic uncertainty.
Beyond its flagship Nanyang 205-S green-soled canvas shoes, which start at 340 baht, the company is also introducing more affordable alternatives aimed at different student groups. One of the key products receiving attention this year is the Superstar canvas shoe line, starting at 270 baht. The shoes are designed with wider dimensions to improve comfort and lightness while maintaining durability through natural rubber materials and a lightning-pattern outsole intended for daily use.
Image Credit: Nanyang
For younger students, Nanyang is promoting the “Have Fun” laceless model priced at 320 baht. The shoes are designed to reduce contact with germs while increasing convenience for elementary school children. The model also includes the company’s Spring Soft Support™ sole technology, aimed at improving comfort and shock absorption during daily school activities.
However, the company’s most talked-about initiative may not be its products at all. Nanyang has officially launched the “Nanyang Borrowing Box” project, a nationwide campaign allowing students to borrow Nanyang shoes for free during emergencies at participating schools.
The initiative was inspired by real-life situations faced by Thai students, including shoes not drying in time after washing, worn-out footwear, incorrect shoe colors, or accidentally bringing the wrong pair to school. Under the project, schools receive shoe borrowing boxes stocked with multiple pairs of Nanyang shoes that students can temporarily use whenever necessary.
Dr. Chakrapol Chantavimol, Managing Director of Nanyang Marketing Co., Ltd., said the company wanted to eliminate small but meaningful problems that can negatively affect a student’s confidence and school experience. He explained that even minor inconveniences involving shoes could impact important moments in a student’s life.
The project has already attracted strong nationwide interest, with hundreds of schools reportedly registering to participate. Nanyang has begun pilot operations in 10 selected schools, and the initiative is expected to expand further through donations and support from the public.
Retail activity surrounding the back-to-school season has also intensified since the Songkran holiday period. The May 1–4 long weekend reportedly generated significant consumer traffic across more than 4,000 retail stores, shopping centers, and online sales channels nationwide. Even so, spending behavior remains cautious, with many parents focusing primarily on essential items and long-term value rather than discretionary purchases.
Nanyang’s latest strategy reflects a growing trend among Thai companies attempting to balance commercial success with social responsibility during economically fragile periods. By combining stable pricing, affordable product options, and community-focused initiatives such as the Borrowing Box campaign, the company is reinforcing its image as a deeply rooted Thai brand closely connected to student life and family realities.
At a time when every baht matters for millions of households, initiatives that reduce even small financial pressures can have wider social significance. Nanyang appears to understand that maintaining trust today may be just as important as maintaining profits. The company’s efforts to combine affordability, product quality, and social support could strengthen consumer loyalty while also highlighting how local brands can play a meaningful role during challenging economic periods.
For more details on Nanyang Shoes, visit: https://nanyang.co.th/home-eng/
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