FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Social enterprises launch Thai association to drive development goals

Social enterprises launch Thai association to drive development goals

Organisations with a “social mind” have been invited to be part of the first “social entrepreneur community” in Thailand, as the Social Enterprise Thailand Association: SE Thailand held its official launch event August 15 at DTAC House in Chamchuri Square.

SE Thailand has created a platform to attract collaboration from the private sector, with the aim to enhance the capacity of Thai social enterprises in sustaining and growing their businesses while solving social and environmental problems. The association sees the platform as a force in driving Thailand towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
ML Dispanadda Diskul, chairman of SE Thailand, said the organisation grew from a network set up in 2017 by social enterprises and intermediaries working to support social enterprises. The initial purpose was to formulate discussion and voice opinions on the draft Social Enterprise Act, but it was later agreed among the network that it was important to have a membership-based entity that would draw social enterprises in the country together. 
This idea was realised through the establishment of Social Enterprise Thailand Association: SE Thailand, which acts as the connector among members and between members and other organisations with the aim to enable Thai social enterprises to grow their businesses while tackling social and environmental problems. As a force in driving Thailand towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, their vision is “to strengthen the Social Enterprises in Thailand through collaboration in solving social challenges and driving social development effectively”.
Its mission is first to “Connect” to build a network among social enterprises and collaboration between social enterprises and other sectors to enhance social and environmental impact. Second is to “Communicate” to create practical knowledge on social enterprises, while raising awareness among the general public. Last is to “Catalyse” to advocate policies that contribute to solving social problems and creating social development through events, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
“Many countries have already seen this kind of institution, namely the SEUK from the United Kingdom, the Social Enterprise Alliance in the United States or raiSE in Singapore that act as a centre for social enterprise members,” said Dispanadda. “These organisations contribute significantly in enabling social enterprises as a sector to solve economic, social and environmental problems. Today marks a great start for such an organisation in Thailand. The goal of Thailand growing sustainably is attainable with the support of all sectors, and SE Thailand welcomes participation from everyone in this journey.”
SE Thailand was established in January 2019, with 13 founding members comprising social enterprises in various industries including agriculture, tourism, community-based manufacturing, education, health and environment. The association expects over 200 members within the first two years, and will be organising monthly events to help enhance capacity for its members.

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