The OSMEP board approved a budget of 855 million baht to advance 19 government projects in 2026, aiming to support 29,000 SME operators and expecting to stimulate the economy by over 5.163 billion baht.
Ms. Panita Shinawatra, acting director of the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), revealed that the Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Board (OSMEP Board) approved the allocation of funds from the SME Promotion Fund to support government agencies and public organizations in implementing additional SME promotion action plans for the 2026 fiscal year. This includes 19 projects with a total approved budget of 855 million baht, aiming to enhance and drive the potential of Thai entrepreneurs in all dimensions. It is expected to help create opportunities and revive 29,290 SMEs, generating an economic value of 5.163 billion baht circulating back into the country.
This budget allocation represents a significant integrated collaboration with government agencies and leading academic institutions nationwide to drive efforts addressing four major global focus areas and challenges: digital disruption and AI transformation; geopolitics and global competition; climate change and disaster risks; and demographic and social change. The projects are structured into four main strategic groups as follows.
The budget allocation involves integrated cooperation with government agencies and academic institutions across the country to tackle global challenges including digital technology, geopolitics, natural disasters, and demographic shifts. The operational framework is divided into four main groups as follows.
Transform SME into a digital economy by focusing on technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance workforce skills and increase online sales, implemented by leading universities.
Value Creation & Market Expansion aims to reform businesses by building distinctive Thai brands and soft power, expanding niche markets (such as the Pink Market), and promoting MICE businesses to international levels.
Recovery & Resilience focuses on restoring entrepreneurs affected by floods, natural disasters, and unrest along border areas, as well as facilitating rapid access to funding and government services.
Inclusive Growth seeks to elevate community enterprises and farmers to professionalism, promoting halal standards internationally to increase grassroots income and reduce inequality.
This fund allocation marks a crucial step in laying the foundation and building resilience for Thai entrepreneurs, especially the "small players" or small-scale operators who are the backbone of the economy. OSMEP and partner agencies have carefully designed and selected projects to align with current conditions and the development directions of the promotion board, focusing on enhancing production, developing products to meet market demand, and strengthening marketing channels both offline and online, domestically and abroad. To ensure transparency and maximize budget efficiency, OSMEP has established strict monitoring, supervision, and evaluation mechanisms, coordinating central management through the Special Project Administration Division and local operations via the One-Stop SME Service Centers, alongside the Subcommittee on Budget Monitoring and Evaluation to closely track performance and indicators.
"We are confident that the 855 million baht allocated across these promotion projects will help small entrepreneurs survive the crisis while enhancing their competitiveness sustainably in the digital global trade arena."
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