Page 68 - Social Enterprise A New Business Paradigm for Thailand

has emerged through civil society, focusing on raising awareness of social issues and driving
community engagement, eventually evolving into social enterprise. The other has developed

through shifts in corporate governance, leading to the adoption of socially responsible business
practices.

Although these streams originated from different sectors, they ultimately flow toward the same
destination: sustainable development. Today, this goal is defined by clear operational frameworks
centered on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. In practice, these paths are
not entirely separate. They frequently intersect and combine in shared efforts to address social
challenges within the same communities and through common objectives.

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2.2 The Evolution of Philanthropy in Thailand
Before capitalism and industrialization began to shape Thailand’s trade and economy, Buddhist
temples and monks served as the primary intermediaries for acts of giving. Monks would
redistribute offerings from the laity to those in need, while wealthier members of the community
often donated land for temple construction. Some of this donated land was later used for income-
generating purposes, such as rental property, to support temple operations. Although such merit-
making was viewed as contributing to the public good, parts of the financial and land donations

were sometimes managed more as general temple assets than as charitable resources strictly for
public welfare.

Following the Bowring Treaty (1855), which ushered in an era of free trade, Western missionaries
entered the country, bringing with them both religious teachings and charitable work. Their
efforts often included the founding of schools and hospitals, institutions recognized as public
goods. Notably, hospitals were able to charge modest fees to sustain their operations while
continuing to serve those in need. This model contributed to the establishment of Siriraj Hospital,
Thailand’s first public hospital. This period also marked the emergence of formal charitable

organizations. One of the most significant was the Red Unalom Society, now known as the Thai
Red Cross Society, founded in 1893 by Lady Plien Pasakornwong. The society established a
volunteer network to assist injured soldiers during the conflict with France over the eastern
Mekong River territories. This effort not only strengthened public consciousness around
humanitarian assistance but also promoted civic responsibility, encouraged volunteerism, and

3 The research team would like to express its gratitude to the following individuals for their invaluable contributions
to this chapter: 1) Mr. Meechai Viravaidya, 2) Mr. Vichien Phongsathorn from the Premier Group of Companies, 3)
Mr. Sunit Shrestha (Changefusion), 4) Ms. Ada Chirapaisarnkul (Taejai.com), and 5) Ms. Napa Settakorn, Director of
the Office of Social Enterprise Promotion (OSEP).
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