Page 237 - Social Enterprise A New Business Paradigm for Thailand

7.8 Recommendations for the Pracharath Rak Samakkee Network

The following are proposed recommendations for the Pracharath Rak Samakkee group:

1. Maximize the benefits available to social enterprises, particularly by increasing
procurement opportunities from both central and local government agencies.
2. At present, subsidiary companies operate independently and in silos within their respective
provinces, based on a centralized “hub-and-spoke” model. However, a more resilient
ecosystem might take the form of a decentralized network. Subsidiaries should be
encouraged to trade with one another and share capabilities. For example, one province
might serve as a producer, while another handles processing, packaging, or distribution.
Since provincial management teams often lack expertise in all areas. In some cases, districts
in one province may be geographically closer to a neighboring province’s hub. Even
subscription box models could be adapted so that a designated province coordinates

packaging and delivery for the broader network.
3. Develop new business models with recurring sponsorship, such as a rotating subscription
box system that generates ongoing revenue for participating provinces. This would ensure
continuous income from a base of loyal customers. For instance, organic agricultural
products could be delivered weekly or monthly, depending on the product. Boxes would
contain seasonal and locally available goods, with each package priced at a fixed weekly or
monthly rate. A weekly box of organic vegetables might differ from week to week. Lightly

processed foods like salted fish, dried shrimp, or shrimp paste could be sent monthly or
seasonally. Gift packages could also be curated for modern consumers, including items like
rice seasoning powder, ready-to-eat honey, or highland teas with strong local branding.
Special holiday boxes, for occasions such as New Year’s, Mother’s Day, or Valentine’s Day,
could also be developed. Each subsidiary should offer distinct products aligned with its local
strengths and identity.
4. Create an online platform for learning and product development that equips local
entrepreneurs with practical skills in product design, marketing, and e-commerce. The
platform should also foster online communities where users can exchange insights and

experiences from courses on topics such as packaging design, product photography, and
digital marketing.
5. Develop a sales platform that incorporates storytelling about each province, its products,
and services to capture the social value of these offerings. This platform could be built by
enhancing existing systems or in collaboration with partners who already have platforms in
place, such as Thailand Post, Paotang, or popular e-commerce platforms. Storytelling should
highlight producers and production sites in a compelling way and, where relevant, integrate

local tourism into the product experience, allowing for an immersive blend of travel,
shopping, and dining.
6. Ensure that prototype models are grounded in clearly defined business strategies aligned
with their target customer segments. For example, if the goal is to produce and sell pha

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