SBE Committee - SMEs at the Crossroads: Finance, Policy, and Thailand’s Economic Future

Description

Join the AMCHAM Small Business & Entrepreneurs (SBE) Committee for an insightful and forward-looking discussion with Professor Krislert Samphantharak of the School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California, San Diego on finance, public policy, and the evolving landscape of SMEs in Thailand.
 
As Thailand navigates economic transition, global uncertainty, and structural reform, small and medium-sized enterprises remain central to national competitiveness and inclusive growth. Understanding how financial systems, regulatory frameworks, and public policy intersect has become essential for business leaders operating in today’s dynamic environment.
Professor Krislert will open the session with a strategic overview of Thailand’s SME climate, examining macroeconomic conditions, access to finance, and the broader policy environment shaping business growth.
 
He will then explore key themes including:
    - The current financial landscape and capital access for SMEs
    - Thailand’s evolving SME regulatory and compliance environment
    - The role of public policy in shaping competitiveness and long-term sustainability
    - The strategic importance of SMEs in Thailand’s present and future economic developmen

The program will conclude with an interactive question-and-answer session, providing participants the opportunity to engage directly with Professor Krislert and connect macro-level insights to practical business considerations.

About our Speaker:
Professor Krislert Samphantharak is a Professor of Economics and Public Policy at the School of Global Policy and Strategy, University of California San Diego, one of the world’s leading research universities. An expert in finance, public policy, and economic development, he has conducted research on households and firms in emerging economies, especially in Southeast Asia. He also has extensive experience working with policy-making institutions, bringing both academic rigor and real-world policy perspective to his work.
His current research projects include household finance, SME finance, corporate finance and ownership structure, and market power and business dynamism. He is also preparing a book manuscript on the comparative economic development of Southeast Asian economies.

Professor Krislert has held visiting positions at the International Monetary Fund, the Asian Development Bank, UCLA, Australian National University, the University of Tokyo, and Yale-NUS College. He serves on the editorial board of the Asian Development Review, published by the Asian Development Bank, and is an advisor to the Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research at the Bank of Thailand.