Kittiwat Patchimanan, Director-General of the Department of Business Development (DBD) under the Ministry of Commerce, stated that e-commerce has become a vital channel for Thai entrepreneurs to expand their markets. Amidst intensifying business competition and constraints on domestic purchasing power, expanding into international markets has emerged as a key strategy for creating new business opportunities. In response, the DBD has partnered with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) to launch the "Digital Connect: Linking Thai SMEs to Borderless E-Commerce" project. Supported by funding from the Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Fund, the initiative aims to develop skills in cross-border e-commerce and connect Thai SMEs to international markets using the "Global Sales" tool on the Shopee platform. The project will pilot in the Philippines—a market with significant potential and consistent growth in e-commerce. The initiative focuses on the comprehensive development of entrepreneurs, starting with essential preparation. The initiative—covering everything from launching an online store and executing marketing strategies to creating actual sales opportunities abroad—consists of three key activities: (1) Entrepreneurial capacity building through a workshop series titled “Cross-Border e-Commerce PowerUp: Elevating Thai SMEs for the Global Market.” This series includes three sessions: the first on November 19, 2026, at the Grand Centre Point Prestige Ratchadamri, Bangkok; the second on November 26, 2026, at the Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel, Chiang Mai; and the third on November 30, 2026, held online. Participating entrepreneurs will receive exclusive benefits from Shopee Philippines, such as a 0% commission fee (GP) for six months and opportunities to promote their shops via the project’s dedicated campaign microsite.

(2) Online marketing promotion: 100 high-potential SMEs will be selected to receive support in launching their online stores and driving sales on Shopee Philippines. This includes discount coupons totaling over 600,000 THB, as well as Shopee Ads credits, access to affiliate marketing tools, and product promotion through Filipino influencers—all designed to increase reach among target consumers, raise awareness of Thai products, and boost sales opportunities in the international market. (3) Follow-up initiative: The 10 top-performing SMEs (Best Practices) will participate in a showcase and a live-streamed sales event in the Philippines. Participants will have the opportunity to visit leading e-commerce businesses abroad, gaining valuable experience and exploring commercial prospects. This initiative also aims to expand business networks, fostering sustainable growth within the international market. Please note that program participants must be entrepreneurs registered with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) under the "SME ONE ID" system.

The Director-General of the Department of Business Development added that the Philippines represents a high-potential e-commerce market with significant growth prospects within the ASEAN region. According to 2024 data from Mordor Intelligence, the Philippine e-commerce market is valued at approximately 15.51 billion USD and is projected to reach 29.57 billion USD by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.78%—a clear indicator of expanding purchasing power and market opportunities. Furthermore, as of 2024, the country has 86.75 million social media users, accounting for 73.4% of the total population, with an internet penetration rate of 73.6%. Data on online transaction values ??from 2019 to 2023 also demonstrate robust growth: rising from 2,024.78 million USD in 2019 to 7,826.08 million USD in 2023—a nearly fourfold increase over five years. These factors underscore that online commerce has become an integral part of the daily lives of Filipino consumers. This presents a significant opportunity for Thai entrepreneurs to introduce their products into a market with a large base of digital consumers. However, successfully accessing this market requires an understanding of consumer behavior, online marketing, and the management of international logistics and payment systems. This initiative aims to alleviate these constraints and equip Thai entrepreneurs to compete effectively.

“Given the potential of the Philippine e-commerce market—characterized by its population size, consumer familiarity with online shopping, and the popularity of Thai products—there is a prime opportunity for Thai SMEs to expand their customer base and generate revenue in the Philippines. The Department is confident that Thai SMEs possess the potential and the products to compete internationally, provided they receive the right skill development and support. The ‘Digital Connect’ project serves as a key mechanism to link Thai entrepreneurs to the global online marketplace, increasing the visibility of Thai goods and laying a foundation for sustainable business growth. Promoting Thai SMEs in the international arena during the digital economy era goes beyond merely adding new sales channels; it is about enhancing the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs, enabling them to reach markets and consumers worldwide directly. The Philippines, therefore, stands out as an attractive pilot market, driven by the growth trends in its online sector, the size of its digital consumer base, and the potential for expanding the reach of Thai products,” concluded Director-General Kittiwat. Interested online entrepreneurs can now apply for the “Digital Connect: Connecting Thai SMEs to Borderless E-commerce” program. Applications are open from today until November 12, 2026, or until all spots are filled. Register at https://www.dbd-ecommerce.com. For further information, please contact the E-Commerce Division, Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, at 02-547-5959, via the Call Center at 1570, or by visiting www.dbd.go.th. #SuperDBD #DepartmentOfBusinessDevelopment #MinistryOfCommerce

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