Songkram urges the government to expedite SME recovery to increase opportunities to help the public, proposing the state use loan funds to sustain SMEs, highlighting that rising costs are severely hurting entrepreneurs.
On 17 July 2026, Mr. Songkram Kitsalirpairoj, former Deputy Minister of Commerce, revealed that he has encountered many entrepreneurs facing funding and liquidity problems partly due to the sluggish economy, declining purchasing power, and cash flow disappearing from the system, resulting in many small and medium-sized entrepreneurs being unable to continue.
Songkram added that after the government obtained authorization from the parliament to issue a 400 billion baht loan decree, he proposes the state establish a low-interest loan program to sustain entrepreneurs' access to state funds, which can revive these businesses. Without government assistance, many entrepreneurs will certainly face increasing closures.
"SMEs are the businesses closest to the people. When costs rise, entrepreneurs' expenses are affected as well. Therefore, if entrepreneurs can be assisted or costs reduced, the public will benefit too. Promoting the growth of small entrepreneurs will definitely benefit community enterprises and the people," he stated. Songkram said.