Page 21 - Social Enterprise A New Business Paradigm for Thailand

for course fees. These supports should be incorporated into broader project initiatives.
Social entrepreneurs should be given access to these programs at discounted rates or free

of charge, on the condition that they commit to developing a social-impact project based
on the knowledge gained.

2.3 Markets exist, but require mid-level certification and assurance of service safety
Some markets have demand, but they require moderate-level certification, less stringent
than those in 2.2, and assurance of safety in service delivery. This includes areas like
cleaning services, maintenance of public spaces, elder care, and repairs to household
water and electrical systems. Because these services are often delivered within consumers’
private homes, there must be trusted institutions that can certify the quality and safety of

service providers.

One potential role for the state is to develop and support a network of social enterprises,
backed by credible organizations that can provide certified personnel. For example, retired
healthcare professionals could be mobilized to manage services such as elder care, early
childhood education, disability support, and home infrastructure repair tailored to people
with disabilities. To build trust and ensure standards, official certification of service quality,
such as certificates of merit or accreditation, should be introduced as part of this support
system.

2.4 Markets exist but are fragmented and dispersed

Some markets have demand, but it is scattered rather than concentrated, making it
difficult to serve through traditional business models. These situations call for
management innovation, particularly the use of online technology to aggregate both
service users and providers. Examples include telehealth services for people with
disabilities or those living in remote or border areas.

To make these markets viable, it is essential to engage technologically skilled individuals
or logistics companies with nationwide reach to help build platforms that can connect and
consolidate dispersed consumer groups. A critical consideration is that once these

vulnerable markets are made accessible to social enterprises, government agencies or
former supporting institutions should not establish their own organizations to compete in
these markets. Instead, they should focus on nurturing and enabling social enterprises to
stand on their own and remain sustainable.

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