Thailand's leading corporations have joined forces with government agencies to establish 928 district-based social enterprise companies nationwide, aiming to strengthen local economies and create lasting social impact during the country's two auspicious royal years in 2026 and 2027.
The programme is spearheaded by the Thailand Supply Chain Network (TSCN), a coalition founded by leading corporations including Thai Beverage Plc (ThaiBev), Bangkok Bank Plc, Siam Cement Group (SCG), PTT Plc, Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc (CPF), Berli Jucker Plc, Thai Union Group Plc, Srithai Superware Plc and Frasers Property (Thailand) Plc, in partnership with the Interior Ministry, the Industry Ministry, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the Fiscal Policy Office and the Office of the Royal Development Projects Board.
Under the initiative, a limited company will be established in each of Thailand's 928 districts to serve as a locally managed social enterprise.
Private sector partners will provide seed funding and expertise in digital technology, marketing, management and business development, while government agencies help coordinate implementation.
Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, president and chief executive of ThaiBev and a founding leader of TSCN, said the initiative forms part of the "Duay Jong Rak Lae Phakdi" (with loyalty and devotion) project, launched to commemorate the two royal years. This year marks the 10th anniversary of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn's accession to the throne, while next year marks the centenary of the birth of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, with Unesco joining international celebrations.
"Our goal is to connect communities with businesses, government agencies and knowledge networks so that local potential can be transformed into sustainable economic opportunities," he said.
The district social enterprises will support community businesses, develop young local leaders and create measurable social and economic benefits.
Unlike conventional businesses, they will prioritise community benefits without pursuing profit maximisation, reinvesting earnings in community projects while adhering to good governance principles.
Mr Thapana cited TSCN's decade-long collaboration to strengthen the value chain and brand awareness for Phuket's seven-coloured spiny lobster, which became a premium brand and this year received geographical indication status from the Intellectual Property Department.
The 928 companies will be established in nine phases, with the first eight each creating 109 companies and the final phase 56, for completion by the end of 2027. Initial phases will focus on areas linked to King Bhumibol's royal development projects, locations where TSCN members already operate, and communities ready to participate.
Mr Thapana said the initiative is being implemented under the concept of "SE²", combining Social Enterprise with Stakeholder Engagement to create a collaborative model for sustainable local development.
