BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun delivered a keynote address outlining the SMEs Journey, aimed at guiding Thai businesses from survival to sustainable, inclusive growth. The Deputy Prime Minister spoke at SME Must Survive 2026, held at the Stock Exchange of Thailand on August 22, 2026. She presented a strategic roadmap to help Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) move from survival to sustainable, inclusive growth in a rapidly changing global economy.
SMEs represent 99 percent of Thai businesses and 69 percent of national employment, yet contribute only 14 percent of export value. To address this, the government is focusing on four key areas: strengthening business foundations, enhancing value through branding and technology, expanding digital market access, and ensuring fair competition by targeting nominee businesses and substandard imports. The Ministry of Commerce is implementing five main policies: managing living costs, stabilizing agricultural prices, strengthening local economies, diversifying export markets, and upgrading technology while easing regulations. A dedicated subcommittee is also rolling out the “SMEs Journey” framework, offering tailored support as businesses progress through the start, scale-up, leader, and regional player stages.
To address global uncertainties, the Deputy Prime Minister encouraged entrepreneurs to adopt five key changes: shift from price competition to value creation, prioritize brand experiences, use data and artificial intelligence for decision-making, expand into omnichannel sales, and build strategic alliances. The Deputy Prime Minister also introduced the TAM Model: Think Big, Act Small, Move Right. She encouraged business owners to set ambitious goals, take practical steps, and align resources to turn limitations into growth opportunities. (NNT)
