Bourse association expects social enterprises to blossom

The MAI Listed Company Association (maiA) has expressed confidence in the continued growth of social enterprises (SEs), buoyed by the growing importance of the environmental, social and governance (ESG) trend amid ongoing global volatility.

- BOONSONG LIPIMAS

Wirat Sukchai, president of maiA, said the number of SEs in Thailand is rising, describing them as a vital grass-roots force and “capillaries” of the Thai economy thanks to their focus on creating “positive societal impact aligned with ESG trends”.

In an interview with the Bangkok Post, Mr Wirat said the association seeks to strengthen SEs using business know-how, enabling them to list on the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI) despite the economic slowdown, conflicts in the Middle East, and Thailand’s border tensions with Cambodia.

“We want to equip SEs with business knowledge, preparing them to eventually list on the stock exchange,” he said.

“Supporting SEs means supporting society and the broader economy. SEs inherently aim to do good. But we must ensure they can survive and thrive as businesses.”

Mr Wirat said SEs differ from typical small businesses that are primarily profit-driven.