Page 333 - Social Enterprise A New Business Paradigm for Thailand

6) Enhance the capacity of temples and monks to play a more active and effective role in
community development and public health. This could include training monks to deliver
traditional Thai medical services and to lead local efforts in reducing the use of addictive

substances such as drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.

7) ThaiHealth could collaborate with the Thai Health Academy and social enterprises to
strengthen the digital competencies of village health volunteers, many of whom are elderly
and face difficulties using digital tools. This effort could involve building a new network of
younger individuals with expertise in digital health and community-level cybersecurity.

Even so, not every social initiative needs to function as a fully self-sustaining business. If a
social enterprise can cover 50% of its operational costs within the first five years and reach
70% self-sufficiency by the tenth year, it should be considered a success. ThaiHealth should
also give special attention to supporting social enterprises that operate in fragile market
environments.

11.4.3 Designing a Research and Development Plan for Technology and Innovation for Social
Enterprises (Social Enterprise R&D Plan) for the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
Thailand currently allocates substantial resources to scientific and technological advancement
as part of its development strategy under a knowledge-based economy. Various government
agencies have supported academic researchers, entrepreneurs, and startups in developing
innovations, including social innovations. However, no agency has yet dedicated sustained,
focused support to the development of social enterprises.

A study supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) on social enterprises
found that these ventures often operate in fragile markets, characterized by high demand but
low purchasing power, or highly fragmented demand that is difficult to aggregate, or
prohibitively high costs. These conditions significantly hinder social enterprises’ ability to reach
target markets and achieve long-term financial sustainability.

Given NRCT’s mandate to promote research, development, and the practical application of
science and technology, including support for social sciences, it is well-positioned to adopt the
development of a targeted research agenda to support social enterprise creation and expansion.

1. The definition of a social enterprise (SE) is as follows:

(1) A business registered with the Office of Social Enterprise Promotion under the Social
Enterprise Promotion Act B.E. 2562 (2019), thereby legally recognized as a social enterprise.

(2) A business whose products, services, or production processes help address social
challenges, such as reducing energy use, conserving natural resources, or minimizing
environmental impact. This includes both currently operating enterprises and those with
clearly defined research proposals and business models, even if not yet implemented.

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