Economy
OSMEP Shifts Strategy to Boost Thai SME Economic Impact
The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) is moving away from a 'one-size-fits-all' support model to drive SME growth and economic competitiveness.
According to Khaosod Online, the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) is restructuring its support strategy for Thai SMEs. Panita Shinawatra, acting director of OSMEP, announced that the agency is abandoning the 'one-size-fits-all' approach in favor of tailored development programs based on business size, industry, and operational stage. This shift aims to utilize data-driven insights to better address the specific needs and potential of individual entrepreneurs.
Data from 2025 indicates that the economic value generated by SMEs reached approximately 6.6 trillion baht. While official figures place the SME contribution to national GDP at 34.83%, OSMEP notes that this does not fully capture the sector's growth. Many SMEs successfully expand into large-scale enterprises, effectively 'graduating' out of the SME category. When accounting for these businesses, the adjusted GDP contribution is estimated at 36.86% for 2025.
For residents and travellers, this policy shift suggests a more robust and diversified local business landscape, potentially leading to higher-quality services and products. While the new strategy aims to enhance competitiveness, the long-term impact on market prices and the specific timeline for the rollout of these new support programs remain to be confirmed.