Thailand Launches Franchise Program With 50% State Investment
Thailand's government is subsidizing 50% of franchise startup costs under a new program aimed at helping small entrepreneurs launch businesses with lower investment and immediate access to retail locations and financing.
Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Suthummaphand unveiled the 'Thai Helping Thai Franchise Plus' program, which aims to reduce living costs while boosting household incomes through franchising opportunities. The initiative combines support from the Commerce Ministry, the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), financial institutions, and the private sector to lower startup investment costs and give small entrepreneurs immediate access to capital, retail locations, and customer bases.
The program offers four key measures: the state covers 50% of franchise package fees (capped at 10,000 baht for franchises valued up to 100,000 baht); credit support from SME D Bank, Krung Thai Bank, and Government Savings Bank with CMSB guarantees at an average interest rate of approximately 3%; access to over 2,000 retail spaces in Lotus and Makro branches nationwide plus over 100 Thai fresh market locations, with six months of rent waived; and enrollment in the 'Thai Helping Thai Plus 60/40' scheme to boost sales from day one.
OSMEP has allocated 100 million baht to support the program, aiming to assist approximately 10,000 franchise buyers or families. The government has curated over 100 standard franchise brands with investment values not exceeding 100,000 baht. Interested applicants can explore franchise packages and apply through the website thaihelpthaifranchisor.dbd.go.th or the Line OA @franchisedbdplus.
