Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangkok’s Wat Pho area are experiencing declining profits due to decreased consumer spending and a slowdown in tourism, particularly from Chinese visitors.
Key challenges identified include reduced purchasing power, escalating raw material costs, and high fees from delivery platforms. SMEs are requesting immediate government intervention, such as short-term stimulus measures similar to the ‘Kon La Krueng’ scheme and government-led negotiations to reduce delivery platform fees.
Furthermore, souvenir entrepreneurs are concerned about the impact of low-quality foreign goods on tourist confidence and the reputation of Thai products. They are advocating for a government crackdown on substandard items and enhanced tourism promotion.
The Department of Business Development has committed to developing comprehensive support plans based on this feedback, focusing on inter-agency collaboration and encouraging the adoption of innovation and technology by entrepreneurs to boost efficiency.
