Page 220 - Social Enterprise A New Business Paradigm for Thailand

Ashoka Foundation (Thailand)

Ashoka Thailand, formally registered as a Thai foundation, serves as both a funding source and
incubator for social entrepreneurs. It operates in alignment with the philosophy of Bill Drayton,
founder of Ashoka: Innovators for the Public. Its core mission is to identify, support, and build

a network of social entrepreneurs, leaders with new ideas for solving structural social problems.
Social enterprise is one such method among the many supported by Ashoka. Candidates with
these qualities are nominated by civil society networks for consideration as Ashoka Fellows.
Since 1989, Thailand has produced 107 Fellows, who are expected to collaborate with civil
society, the private sector, and government to bring about sustainable change. Ashoka does not
receive funding from the government. Instead, it raises support from businesspeople, private
companies, foundations, and philanthropists. Ashoka provides Fellows with a monthly living
stipend for three years, allowing them to focus fully on driving social change without worrying

about personal or family financial burdens. The amount is adjusted according to individual
needs. Fellows also benefit from access to information, skill development, and a global support
network of social entrepreneurs and Ashoka partners. The selection process for Ashoka Fellows
is clearly defined and highly rigorous. It typically takes six to twelve months to get to know
candidates who voluntarily enter the process. Candidates must have clear ideas and relevant
hands-on experience. The team conducts background checks and in-depth interviews on the
candidate’s experience, goals, change strategies, and vision for the future. The process includes
field visits to observe the candidate’s work firsthand. Candidates must articulate what problem
inspired their idea for change, explain how their solution is innovative, how it differs from or

improves upon existing approaches, and outline both their current and proposed strategies.
They must also describe how their solution could disrupt or improve existing systems. After this
stage, a Second Opinion Reviewer from Ashoka: Innovators for the Public conducts an individual
interview with each candidate. Candidates must also pass a final interview with a Thai review
panel. Only after receiving unanimous approval from the panel is the nomination submitted to
Ashoka: Innovators for the Public for final confirmation. Ashoka: Innovators for the Public
evaluates the impact of its support for leading social entrepreneurs every three years. These

assessments have shown that 50% of Ashoka Fellows are recognized as leaders who introduce
new ideas and approaches that drive significant social change. In Thailand, several Fellows are
well known in the social innovation community, including Tuenjai Deetes, Chatchawan
Thongdeelert, Sunit Shrestha, and Sombat Boonngamanong (also known as “Noo Ring”).

ChangeFusion

ChangeFusion is a non-profit initiative under the Rural Reconstruction Foundation under Royal
Patronage. For over a decade, it has run business incubation programs with support from Banpu
Public Company Limited, while promoting a creative and sustainable ecosystem for social

enterprises in Thailand and across Asia. Its work spans a range of sectors, including technology,
sustainable agriculture, community-based tourism, health, community-scale renewable energy,
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