Page 12 - Social Enterprise A New Business Paradigm for Thailand

In total, the sector comprises approximately 122,350 entities. However, because different
government agencies register these organizations separately, there is likely to be overlap, with

some entities holding multiple legal statuses. For context, in 2025 there were 929,377 legal
entities registered with the Department of Business Development, and only 923 companies
listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, further highlighting the significant presence of the
social economy.

8. Although nonprofit organizations are large and well-funded, their revenues are trending
downward
Thailand ranks among the leading countries in terms of social giving. According to data from
the National Statistical Office, the total revenue of private nonprofit organizations, excluding

government funding, was approximately 117 billion baht, with nearly half of that going to
temples. However, this figure is lower than in 2012, when nonprofit revenues reached 202
billion baht.

Household income surveys by the same agency show that Thai households donate only around
6 billion baht per year to charity. In contrast, they spend approximately 60 billion baht annually
on ordination ceremonies, weddings, and religious festivities, expenditures that are better
understood as reciprocal social obligations than charitable donations. Despite this decline in
formal giving, the social economy remains sizable, and religious institutions and foundations

continue to be the primary recipients of donations in Thailand.

9. Social-purpose organizations operate under diverse legal frameworks and benefit schemes
In Thailand, social-purpose organizations are governed by different laws and enjoy various
benefits, depending on their legal form. These organizations include:

1) Foundations and associations, which fall under the category of nonprofit entities;
2) Member-based organizations, such as cooperatives and community enterprises, which are
formed for mutual benefit;
3) For-profit social enterprises registered as limited partnerships or companies.

Each type is eligible for specific benefits based on its organizational structure and mission.
These may include income tax exemptions or reductions, reduced corporate tax rates, value-
added tax (VAT) exemptions under special legislation, and preferential treatment in public
procurement. In addition, these organizations may receive investment incentives under
programs designed to promote community and social development.

10. Growth of state-supported social enterprises in Thailand lags behind other countries
Despite the enactment of the Social Enterprise Promotion Act in 2019, Thailand has
experienced sluggish growth in the registration of social enterprises. As of March 2025, six

years later, only 345 enterprises have registered as social enterprises.

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