Alongkorn supports the SME Council Act, stating it will unlock grassroots businesses and boost economic activity by 300 billion baht per year.

On April 10, 2026, Mr. Alongkorn Ponbutr, President of the FKI Institute and advisor to the Thai Small and Medium Enterprise Council (SME Council), revealed after the 2026 Annual General Meeting, which unanimously resolved to re-elect Mr. Supree Thongpetch as President of the SME Council for another term, that he fully supports the draft Act on the Thai Small and Medium Enterprise Council, or the SME Council Act. This law will establish the SME Council as a legal entity, playing a crucial role in transforming the structure and development system of over 3 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This will strengthen the grassroots economy and increase local economic activity by over 300 billion baht per year.

Former Minister Alongkorn also expressed admiration for the SME Council for its commitment to pushing forward the draft law that will transform the business landscape through four key features.

1. Shattering Litigation Barriers: Break down legal barriers with the power of class action lawsuits, where the SME Council will sue on behalf of its members, addressing the current near-zero win rate against large corporations.

2. Unlocking Liquidity: Setting a 45-day credit term will immediately restore 250 billion baht per year to the system, bridging the gap compared to leading countries like Singapore, which has a 29-day term.

3. Definition Revolution: Redefine the definition to include modern businesses such as startups and green SMEs, using the "or" criterion instead of "and" to ensure no one is left out of the assistance program.

4. Market Guarantee: Guaranteeing a 30% share of government procurement to genuine SMEs (Independent SMEs).

“My team and I, the SME Council's advisory committee, urge Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas (responsible for economic affairs), the Cabinet, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and all political parties to support this law.”

Mr. Supree Thongphet, President of the SME Council, thanked the advisory team, led by Mr. Alongkorn Ponbutr and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ekporn Rakkhamsuk, for their role in driving the draft SME Council Act. This team will oversee coordination with 34 government agencies to push forward this legislation, including improving regulations that hinder progress, thereby reducing burdens and enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs in line with OECD guidelines.

The SME Council reiterated that it is currently collecting 10,000 signatures from entrepreneurs to propose a draft bill to the National Legislative Assembly as a citizen-initiated law. It is expected to be submitted within the third quarter of this year.

"The Thai SMEs Council invites its network partners to sign in support of the draft bill and follow its progress on FB: Thai SMEs Council and Line OA: Thai SMEs Council," Mr. Supree said.