Thai Government Extends 'Thai Helps Thai' Franchise Support Program
The government has extended the 'Thai Helps Thai: Franchise for Careers Plus' initiative through December 2026 to assist citizens and flood victims in starting new businesses.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, the Thai government, through the Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce, has officially extended the 'Thai Helps Thai: Franchise for Careers Plus' program until December 2026. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploy-Talay Laksameesangchan announced that the initiative aims to provide employment opportunities and income generation for the public, with a specific focus on supporting those affected by recent flooding.
The program assists aspiring entrepreneurs by subsidizing 50% of franchise package costs, up to a maximum of 10,000 baht. To ensure these new businesses have viable locations to operate, the government has secured partnerships to provide retail space at Makro, Lotus’s, various fresh markets, and PTT Stations, totaling over 20,000 locations nationwide. Additionally, state financial institutions are available to provide capital support for those who lack initial funding.
For residents, this program offers a pathway to entrepreneurship with reduced financial barriers. For travelers, the initiative may lead to an increase in small-scale local businesses and pop-up retail stalls in common transit and shopping areas. While the government has confirmed the extension and the availability of retail space, specific details regarding the application process for individual franchise packages and the exact terms of financial support from state banks remain to be confirmed by the relevant authorities.
