Prime Minister presents 4th “SME Provincial Champion Awards”; OSMEP and PSU empower model entrepreneurs to strengthen Thailand’s local economy
Prince of Songkla University (PSU), in collaboration with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), continues to strengthen micro enterprises across Thailand through the 4th SME Provincial Champion Awards. The initiative identifies and develops promising entrepreneurs from all 77 provinces, helping them become role models in business management, growth, and sustainable local economic development.
On 7 August 2026, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the presentation of the 4th SME Provincial Champion Awards, held as part of the 18th SME National Awards at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok. The event was organized by Thammasat University in collaboration with OSMEP, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun also in attendance.
The SME Provincial Champion Awards initiative, jointly implemented by OSMEP and Prince of Songkla University, aims to expand opportunities for high-potential micro enterprises at the provincial level. The program helps entrepreneurs strengthen management standards, enhance competitiveness, and prepare for a changing business environment increasingly shaped by sustainability, digital transformation, and broader market opportunities.
This year, 77 businesses from all 77 provinces received SME Provincial Champion Awards, reflecting the program’s commitment to extending business development opportunities throughout the country. An additional 12 special awards were also presented, including “The 7 Pillars of Excellence”, recognizing outstanding performance in seven key areas, and “The Sectoral Grand Champion”, honoring leading businesses across four sectors: manufacturing, services, trade and retail, and agriculture.
Beyond recognizing outstanding businesses, the program provides a structured development pathway for participating entrepreneurs. This includes business health checkups, management training, in-depth consultation, the sharing of good practices, study visits to successful businesses, E-catalog development, and networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and business partners.
The process enables participating businesses to identify their strengths and challenges before developing practical strategies to improve performance and expand their operations. This is particularly important for provincial micro enterprises, which play a vital role in creating jobs, generating income, and stimulating local economies.
In addition, 10 selected businesses will have the opportunity to participate in an international business exposure program, allowing them to gain new knowledge and experience, explore global business practices, and build connections that may lead to opportunities in international markets.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized that SMEs are a fundamental pillar of Thailand’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, income generation, and the distribution of economic opportunities across the country. Amid rapid changes in the global economy, digital technology, trade, and sustainability, entrepreneurs must continue to improve productivity, create greater value, develop innovation, and expand their access to markets and financing.
Through the SME National Awards and SME Provincial Champion Awards, OSMEP aims to identify and develop model entrepreneurs whose successful practices can inspire and strengthen SMEs nationwide, while providing regional businesses with greater access to knowledge, technology, networks, and new business opportunities.
The collaboration between OSMEP and Prince of Songkla University demonstrates how academic expertise can be translated into practical support for entrepreneurs at the local level. By developing high-potential micro enterprises into provincial role models, the initiative contributes to stronger local economies and supports the sustainable growth of Thailand’s economy as a whole.