The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) in collaboration with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has launched the SME SOFT POWER project: Creatively Enhancing the Appeal of SMEs with Thai Products. This initiative aims to promote and develop the establishment of SME entrepreneurs through Soft Power nationwide, involving over 740 participants to ensure their business operations and survival at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. This event is expected to generate over 180 million baht in revenue.

Mr. Prasert Chandraruangthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, and Chairman of the Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Committee at OSMEP, stated that the government has a policy to support the country's Soft Power to enhance and develop the knowledge, skills, and creativity of Thai people to create value and generate income. This includes the preservation, restoration, and development of arts, culture, and the promotion of local wisdom to create added value. The Prime Minister (Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra) and the government recognize the importance of promoting Soft Power and Thailand's Creative Economy as a key driver of economic growth and expanding export potential on a global scale. The four target industries that OSMEP aims to promote include food, fashion design, tourism, and film. The government has policies to support these sectors in various dimensions, such as accelerating high-potential tourism, promoting health tourism, water tourism, and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry to attract high-income tourists to Thailand. Additionally, the government aims to elevate Thai festivals to a global level, develop a new generation of designers, expand the Thai film market, and promote the growth of Thai restaurants and networks abroad to boost exports and raw materials from Thailand.

The OSMEP's initiative to promote and develop SME entrepreneurship through Soft Power is another government project aimed at supporting new entrepreneurs in the Soft Power industry to grow and strengthen in the future, becoming a significant driving force for Thailand's economy.

Mr. Wachira Kaewkor, Deputy Director of OSMEP, revealed that the period from the start of business until the first three years is crucial for SMEs, as they require government assistance to sustain their operations. Therefore, creating mechanisms for business development, finding market channels, and accessing funding sources are essential for new entrepreneurs and must be prioritized to ensure sustainable growth.

Given these factors, OSMEP has implemented the initiative to promote and develop SME entrepreneurship through Soft Power, in line with the government's policy to promote Thai Soft Power globally. This initiative aims to develop mechanisms to assist new entrepreneurs in target industries such as food, tourism, fashion design, and film, enabling them to generate income, reduce costs, and improve their quality of life, thereby strengthening entrepreneurs to grow and prepare effectively for entering the market. Some progress has already been made, and it is expected that this event will generate over 180 million baht in revenue.

“The SME SOFT POWER activities aim to elevate new entrepreneurs by integrating talented individuals into the four target industries while promoting sustainable business practices and linking funding sources to drive Thailand's economy in the future,” he added.

For this initiative, OSMEP has collaborated with the Federation of Thai Industries to extend operations to 18 provincial groups nationwide to maximize access to entrepreneurs. OSMEP recognizes the potential and strengths of the FTI, which has a network of provincial industry councils in 76 provinces across the country, enabling access to new entrepreneurs in the area and identifying Soft Power products that reflect the unique characteristics of each province. The expertise of local business professionals will be utilized to drive entrepreneurs and broaden their business perspectives.