Commerce Ministry Launches Franchise Expo With 50 Brands, State Subsidy Up to 10,000 Baht
Thailand's Commerce Ministry launched a franchise expo featuring 50 government-backed brands with subsidies covering up to 10,000 baht of franchise costs, aiming to support entrepreneurs in launching standardized businesses across food, ser
The Franchise Expo Thailand by Smart SME Expo opened on August 6, 2025, with Poonpong Nayanapokaporn, director-general of the Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce, presiding over the event. The expo showcases 50 government-supported franchise businesses across five categories—food and beverages, services, beauty and spa, and retail—designed to boost entrepreneurship and business expansion through standardized franchise models aligned with digital trends.
A key highlight is the "Thai Help Thai Franchise Career Plus" campaign, which subsidizes 50 percent of franchise package costs up to 10,000 baht per purchase, helping entrepreneurs launch new ventures. The expo also features live streams from influencers, one-on-one business consultations with experts, franchise trend updates, and a dedicated awards ceremony recognizing excellence in the Thai franchise sector, with 38 brands competing across 11 awards in four categories.
The event functions as a comprehensive business hub divided into four zones: a franchise and business zone featuring leading domestic and international brands; a technology and support zone offering marketing tools and digital solutions; a financial institutions zone with banks and lending consultations; and a highlights zone with seminars and one-on-one business matching sessions to help entrepreneurs expand their operations.
