Thailand’s vibrant economy is a fertile ground for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). From traditional Thai herbal innovations to modern dietary supplements and unique food concepts, these businesses play a crucial role in the country’s economic development and innovation.

In this article, we highlight eight such SMEs, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit and unique contributions. While Thailand’s various industries offer opportunities for SMEs to succeed, this article focuses on the innovative ways these businesses are making their mark, rather than just broader industry trends.

1. Happy Chef

Offering authentic-taste, ready-to-eat meals, Happy Chef stands out with its convenience packaging and high-quality ingredients. Happy Chef currently offers 16 products, focusing on Korean and Thai dishes this year, including various Tteokbokki and Ramyeon flavors, Jajangmyeon, and Chicken Satay.

Its popularity stems from authentic tastes, high-quality ingredients, and innovative packaging designed for convenience and appeal, like Korean wok-shaped and rounded square trays for easy sauce mixing and eating without heating up in hand, and standy pouches for effortless mixing, no spills, and comfortable consumption.

2. Berman and Venture

Berman and Venture, produced by Rinchokechai Co. Ltd., a Thai manufacturing company, have made their mark in Thailand’s dental care market with their ergonomic toothbrushes. These two distinct brands emphasize functionality, blending design, comfort, and affordability to make oral hygiene accessible and effective for all.

3. Handy Herb

Handy Herb is at the forefront of integrating Thai herbal traditions with modern technology, offering a range of health and wellness products that cater to contemporary lifestyles. Their innovations make traditional Thai health remedies accessible and convenient for the modern consumer.

Under the Handy Herbs brand, Sand-M Global Co. Ltd. offers a variety of herbal healthcare products featuring several sub-brands that target different wellness needs. G’nite capsules, made from chamomile and reishi mushroom extracts, are specifically designed to address insomnia issues. Night Night is an herbal drink that is formulated to facilitate easier sleep, while Ener-G is an herbal beverage intended to rejuvenate and refresh.

4. Press and Shake

Press and Shake is a brand that offers functional powdered drinks, which are both vibrant and healthy. Their product lineup focuses on low-calorie, sugar-free options that are perfect for health-conscious consumers who are always on the go. This focus has resulted in sustained growth across all five variations of their product line. These include Collagen with 2000 mg, along with vitamins A, E, and C; Collagen with 2000 mg, plus Luta and vitamin C; Collagen with 2000 mg, plus Zinc, and vitamin C; Collagen with 2000 mg, plus L-Theanine and a vitamin B complex; and L-Carnitine Fumarate at 500 mg.

5. Hooray!

Hooray! has made a name for itself as the first high-protein, lactose-free, ready-to-drink milk in Thailand. Their use of enzymatic technology to extract lactose sugars ensures high protein content, catering to fitness enthusiasts. They have later expanded to serve those seeking plant-based protein options. The plant-based protein used in this product is internationally recognized as a Complete Plant Protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. It also includes MCT Oil derived from coconut oil, known for its beneficial fats. The advanced manufacturing technology ensures a delicious taste without the green smell or texture, making it smooth to swallow.

6. Pang Siam

Pang Siam, a distinguished brand owned by Siam Rungruang Food and Bakery Co. Ltd, boasts a 50-year tradition of excellence. This legacy shines through in their mastery of both traditional and innovative baking. Offering a range of products from classic cakes to contemporary bakery items, Pang Siam evokes nostalgic flavors with a modern twist, ensuring quality remains at the heart of their innovation.

7. Alfredo Pizza

Alfredo Pizza brings high-quality, affordable pizzas to the Thai market, with a focus on unique sauces and quality ingredients. Their collaboration with 7-Eleven ensures wide accessibility, offering a gourmet pizza experience at convenience store prices. The products adhere to Halal standards, ensuring confidence among diverse customer groups. Among the eight menu items, Hawaiian Supreme, Shrimp Cocktail, and the newly introduced Fried Chicken Wrap N Roll are particularly popular. The wrap features thin flour tortillas imported from Japan, which have been well-received by customers.

8. QueQ

QueQ is an innovative queuing system that enables users to join a queue virtually from up to 2 km away using a mobile app, allowing them to carry on with their activities without the worry of missing their turn. The app provides real-time updates on queue status and sends alerts when it’s almost the user’s turn. Currently leading in the chain restaurant sector with millions of users, QueQ aims to expand into healthcare in Thailand and Malaysia, with plans to leverage user behavior data for targeted advertising.

Supporting Local Thrives Global

Exploring and supporting these Thai SMEs offers a glimpse into the innovation and resilience that define Thailand’s small business sector. Whether you’re in Thailand or abroad, seeking out products from these companies not only provides you with quality and innovation but also contributes to the growth and sustainability of local economies. Let’s embrace and promote the spirit of entrepreneurship in Thailand by supporting these thriving small businesses.

Sources: BrandInside.Asia, Bangkok Biz News, QueQ