Bangkok: LiVE Platform is organizing 'SME Must Survive 2026' for the second consecutive year, bringing together business experts to unlock the potential of Thai SMEs. This event also marks the establishment of a 1 billion baht Private Equity fund, following the CMDF's approval of a 300 million baht investment to support SMEs and new economy businesses. Investment is expected to begin this year.
According to Thai News Agency, LiVE Platform, under the Stock Exchange of Thailand Group, organized the seminar 'SME Must Survive 2026: Unlock New Possibilities.' The event featured a keynote address by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, on the topic of 'Opportunities and Survival Strategies for the Thai Economy and SMEs.' National experts, executives, investors, business gurus, and representatives from 22 partner organizations shared their knowledge and experiences to help SMEs unlock new opportunities across all dimensions of growth. Over 1,000 SME entrepreneurs, startups, and corporate executives attended the seminar.
Mr. Prapan Charoenprawat, Manager of the MAI and LiVE Exchange, stated that entrepreneurs today face rapid and unpredictable changes, including economic volatility, constantly evolving consumer behavior, and technology, especially AI, which is permeating every industry. Therefore, LiVE Platform is organizing the 'SME Must Survive 2026' event for the second consecutive year, providing a platform to share knowledge, strategies, and tools from experienced experts. The aim is to ensure businesses not only survive but also move forward steadily, aligning with the MAI's mission of 'Empowering Market Participants' to enhance the capabilities of market participants for sustainable growth.
The LiVE Platform supports a comprehensive SME and Startup ecosystem, from capacity building through in-depth courses and seminars, connecting businesses to funding sources such as loans and capital markets, to providing consulting to prepare for growth. LiVE Academy has nurtured 3,609 companies and helped 11 companies successfully raise funds through the LiVEx exchange, with one company transferring to the mai exchange. Currently, LiVEx has 10 listed companies, raising over 395 million baht in total funds and a total market capitalization of 5,373 million baht (data as of August 21, 2026).
'Thai SMEs must be strategic, adapt quickly, and grow beyond expectations, because mere survival is no longer enough. This year's event is even more intensive with 20 seminar topics from 37 speakers and 66 booths from service providers and business partners, covering everything SMEs need to know, from economic trends, consumer behavior, and technology to using AI to enhance business efficiency, capital management, and accessing funding sources such as SME D Bank, along with expert consultations. In addition, there will be SMEs pitching their promising business plans to inspire and create new opportunities,' Mr. Prapan said.
Mr. Prapan further stated that LiVE Platform is also preparing to establish a Private Equity Trust worth 1 billion baht, after the Capital Market Development Fund (CMDF) board approved an investment of 300 million baht and is seeking other investors for approximately 700 million baht. This fund will focus on investing in New Economy businesses that will be listed on the LiVEx, SET, and mai markets, providing another tool to support businesses with opportunities in the new era. It is expected that the fund will be established and investments can begin within this year. The initial condition is a maximum investment of 100 million baht per investor. More details will be announced around September.