Social Enterprise Policy in Thailand Context

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to identify the importance of implementing the social enterprise policy and reflect the constrain of the Social Enterprise Promotion Act in Thailand.  The research uses the qualitative methodology by interviewing social enterprises or organizations with the social purpose for the inspiration of establishment and operations. Interview target includes 68 organizations/agencies, divided into three main groups: 1) Social Entrepreneur, 2) Policy Designer, 3) Civil Society and non-governmental organizations, including general public in the community who will be affected by social enterprise activities. Synthesize content and present descriptive ways. The result has shown that driving the social enterprise policy in Thailand should take into account the social context. The type of enterprise establishment can be categorized into top-down or bottom-up, using the same principles as the start-up phase for business into consideration.  The policy should be open to broader participants and enhancing the support in main areas include:  1) Tax exemption mechanism is important for driving and stimulating participation from the general public. 2) SE Supporting mechanism in various forms is an important tool in driving the policy which the government sector should provide full support as well as open more for the private sector to participate Social Enterprise. 3) SE Promotion Fund is important, and cooperation from various sectors should be integrated to drive this fund sustainability. 4) Social enterprise performance monitoring system should be clear, but simple and easy to follow. All four of the above must be aligned with the three success factors of a social enterprise which are: 1) Leadership, 2) Awareness and participation from public, and 3) Integrating cooperation from various sectors.