Bangkok: "Thai Help Thai Plus" has successfully elevated the SME business confidence index for July to 50.8, exceeding the baseline for the first time in five months. The initiative is collaborating with the Comptroller General's Department to revise the THAI SME GP criteria in three areas, effective October 1st, aiming to provide benefits directly to genuine SMEs.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Panita Chinawat, Deputy Director of the Office of the Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion (OSMEP) and Acting Director of OSMEP, revealed the results of the SME Sentiment Index (SMESI) survey for July 2026. The survey, based on a sample of 2,770 businesses across 27 business sectors nationwide, found that the SMESI rose from 47.8 in June to 50.8. This marked the first time in five months that it surpassed the baseline of 50.0. The improvement followed the impact of tensions in the Middle East on costs and transportation. The increase was significantly bolstered by the government's short-term economic stimulus measures through the "Thai Help Thai Plus" (60/40) project via the Paotang application, resulting in the trade sector index reaching 52.0, mirroring a recovery in the service sector at 50.9. Confidence improved in nearly all regions, led by the North with the highest index at 53.2.
The business confidence index for the next three months (August - October 2026) has continued its upward trajectory for the third consecutive month, reaching 52.9, reflecting a positive outlook for the year-end tourist season. However, businesses remain cautious about purchasing power after the "Thai Help Thai Plus" stimulus measures conclude in September. The cost index remains below baseline, with 81.9% of businesses still facing pressure from rising fuel, electricity, and raw material costs, as well as online platform fees and GP (Gross Profit) fees. More than half of businesses have online costs exceeding 15% of their sales. Additionally, 43.0% of businesses want the government to design accessible, uncomplicated, quickly approved, and targeted assistance measures to sustainably alleviate their cost burdens.
Dr. Panita further stated that the government procurement market represents a significant opportunity with a value of 1.3 - 1.8 trillion baht per year. In the past, OSMEP, in collaboration with the Department of Treasury, has successfully implemented the 'THAI SME GP' initiative. By 2025, the value of government procurement from SMEs is projected to exceed 600 billion baht, representing 33.7%. Most recently, government procurement from SMEs reached 371,245 million baht, or 55.8% of the total value, with over 180,000 businesses participating. This aims to expand opportunities and address existing cumulative contract value limitations. To prevent large businesses from misusing benefits, OSMEP and the Department of Treasury have jointly upgraded and improved the THAI SME GP criteria in three key areas: 1. Providing a 10% price advantage for SMEs that have passed verification of the true owner's information. 2. Adding an extra 5% price advantage for SMEs that can issue electronic tax invoices or receipts (e-Tax). 3. Adjusting the cumulative contract value criteria for utilizing the price advantage from being separated by business size to a total limit of no more than 500 million baht.
The new THAI SME GP measures, comprising three key areas, will officially come into effect from October 1, 2026, ensuring that genuine and high-potential SMEs have full access to benefits, coupled with ongoing training to enhance their skills as government contractors.