Thai SME Federation seeks THB10bn to develop tourism in 50 provinces
The Thai SME Federation proposes THB200m for each of 50 secondary-tourism provinces, alongside revived provincial public-private committees and an SME e-commerce platform
The Thai SME Federation has proposed a 10-billion-baht programme to develop tourism attractions in 50 secondary-tourism provinces, allocating 200 million baht to each province in an effort to generate local economic activity and opportunities for small businesses.
The federation also wants the role of provincial Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committees to be revived so that government agencies, private businesses and entrepreneurs can work together more closely on local economic development.
Dr Noppong Teeravorn, president of the Thai SME Federation, made the proposals after attending a meeting of the Trade and Services Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.
He said the provincial committees could help ensure that economic development and problem-solving were better aligned with the strengths and needs of individual provinces.
THB200m proposed for each province
Under the tourism proposal, each of the 50 provinces would receive 200 million baht to develop attractions. Provincial committees would nominate a locally identified “handmade” tourism attraction for consideration.
The federation said the projects should create new economic activity, distribute income to communities and generate opportunities for small businesses throughout the local tourism supply chain.
The proposal would require a total budget of 10 billion baht.
Thai SME e-commerce platform planned
The federation has also proposed greater support for Thai-owned e-commerce channels to give micro, small and medium-sized enterprises more ways to reach customers.
It is preparing to launch a platform called “SME Auaddee”, intended to connect entrepreneurs with markets and business opportunities and help generate employment and income.
Noppong said Thai SMEs needed more than assistance measures and instead required mechanisms that would enable businesses to create opportunities and grow independently.
He said closer links between the public sector, private businesses and MSME networks would be central to driving the Thai economy forward.
