The Emergence and Characteristics of Social Enterprise in Thailand
The Emergence and Characteristics of Social Enterprise in Thailand

Summary/Abstract: This paper aims to undertake a comparative analysis of the definition, the emergence, and characteristics of social enterprises in Thailand, Western Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Latin America. The definition of social enterprise in Thailand is not clear. It addresses only three characteristics; the purposes of social enterprise, the types of business and the roles of social enterprise in society, economy and environment protection. However, it does not address policy or law supports, participation of various stakeholders, and the power of decision making and management. Unlike social enterprises in Western Europe, the United Kingdom, the United State, Canada and Latin America, most of social enterprises in Thailand were initiated by government policy since 2001 and become well- known since 2011. However, there is no law for social enterprise. Unlike social enterprises in Western Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Latin America, but similar to social enterprise in the United States, it is found that social enterprises in Thailand do generate some profits. The private sector engages with social enterprises in the form of corporate social responsibility in order to get marketing and tax benefits. However, there is no linkage between Thailand’s social enterprises and financial institutes. Social enterprises in Thailand operate in various forms of business; non- profit organizations, cooperatives, community enterprises, private organizations, and subsidiary companies. The policy and management of social enterprises in Thailand are influenced by many stakeholders, not only shareholders. Thailand’s social enterprises have an important role in tackling poverty and improving quality of life. They create job and training. They employ disadvantaged people. They create income and distribute income to the community through the acquisition of wisdom, cultures and local inputs. Besides, they help to protect the environment. However, they do not have a role in technology transfer.

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