Bangkok: Napindorn Ngat, a Thai business owner, is at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative to support 10,000 small business owners through a franchise program named "Thai Helps Thai Franchise Creates Jobs Plus." The project, aiming to stimulate economic growth, has been emphasized as independent of the Prime Minister's actions, with Napindorn insisting on evaluating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This initiative continues efforts from the Anutin 1 government era.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Napinthon Srisarppang, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, highlighted the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the national economy. With SMEs comprising 99% of businesses yet contributing significantly less to GDP compared to large enterprises, the government is focused on addressing economic inequality. The larger aim is to elevate the country's GDP by 40% over the next decade and reach a developed, high-income status within 12 years.

The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank (SME Bank) has committed 100 million baht to collaborate with the Department of Business Development on the "Thai Helps Thai Franchise for Job Creation Plus" project. This initiative will select over 100 high-quality food franchises, with a 60% focus on food and beverage and 40% on services, providing business opportunities to unemployed individuals and those with limited income. Low-income individuals are encouraged to participate, with further details available at the Department of Business Development. The project includes support for initial franchise fees, location selection, and access to over 2,000 shopping malls and more than 100 fresh market associations, totaling over 10,000 sales points. Additionally, there will be a 6-month rent reduction, and banks like Krung Thai Bank will offer support with a 3% interest rate for loan applications.

Mr. Napindorn emphasized that the timing of these projects is unrelated to any Prime Ministerial directives on ministerial KPI evaluations. Instead, these projects have been in development since the Anutin 1 government, with tangible outcomes anticipated in the latter half of the year. He projected a 1-2% income boost for SMEs this year, building on first-quarter growth figures. Furthermore, Mr. Napindorn noted the need for attention to other areas under his purview, such as revitalizing the Creative Economy Agency to enhance the trade environment.