"Department of Business Development" drives regional economic growth by organizing the 4th Franchise Career Fair at Central Hatyai from 3 to 6 April 2026.
On 5 April 2026, Mr. Poonpong Nainapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, said that on 3 April, he assigned Mr. Sataporn Ruamnaphaya, Deputy Director-General, to preside over the 4th Franchise Career Roadshow at Central Hatyai, Hatyai District, Songkhla Province. The event aims to serve as a key platform to enhance the potential of southern entrepreneurs to access investment in diverse franchise businesses.
It also supports job creation, career building, and income generation to strengthen local economic competitiveness, aligning with the Ministry of Commerce's policy to drive grassroots economy and develop Thai entrepreneurs’ capabilities for competitiveness in the new economy.
Regarding the success of the previous three Franchise Roadshows: the 1st was held 19-22 Dec 2025 at Central Sriracha, Chonburi; the 2nd from 15-18 Jan 2026 at Central Chiang Mai (Central Festival), Chiang Mai; and the 3rd from 5-8 Mar 2026 at Central Udon Thani, Udon Thani. These events were highly successful, attracting over 800 visitors and generating franchise sales exceeding 600 million baht, marking a significant step in strengthening Thai franchise businesses and providing regional entrepreneurs access to standardized franchise business models.
This event features 40 outstanding franchise businesses supported and developed by the Department across various sectors such as food, beverages, services, education, and beauty/spa, catering to modern consumer behavior. It also offers investment consultation, business matching, and quality business development to prepare both new and existing entrepreneurs for effective entry into the franchise system.
Additionally, it enhances knowledge about franchise business, a standardized business model with long-term growth potential. Songkhla Province, as a major southern economic hub, combines traditional and new entrepreneurs, stimulating strong business activity, alongside significant tourism and border trade potential.
Therefore, hosting the Franchise Career Roadshow here can stimulate employment, especially after the major floods caused severe damage to citizens' assets and SMEs, resulting in substantial income loss. The franchised businesses supported by the Department aim to create careers and income, helping to revive and stimulate the economy for sustainable livelihoods, while offering opportunities for those seeking additional income or unemployed individuals to become business owners more easily, reducing risks of starting a business independently.
Entrepreneurs, the public, and interested parties in Songkhla and nearby areas looking for business opportunities are invited to join the 4th Franchise Career Roadshow in Songkhla from 3 to 6 April 2026 at the Promotion Area, 1st Floor, Central Hatyai, free of charge, to explore new business perspectives, investment opportunities, and contribute to driving strong and sustainable local economic growth.