by Prani Obhasanond
DECEMBER 1996
Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Women Entrepreneurs in National Development
2.1 Introduction
2.2 The 21st Century: A Friendlier Environment for Thai Woman
2.3 'Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Economic Development
2.4 Profile of Women Entrepreneurs in Small & Cottage Industries
2.5 Women's Reasons for being in Business
2.6 Ease and Difficulty as a Women Entrepreneur
2.7 Gender-related Barriers
2.8 Gender-related Characteristics
2.9 Access to supply-side Opportunities
2.10 Womens Participation in Business Organizations
Section 3:Case Studies
3.1 A Fruit and Vegetable Exporter--Case Study 1
3.2 A Seamstress--Case Study 2
3.3 Conclusions
Annexure A:Elements of the industrial Development Strategy
Annexure B:More Information about NG0s
Annexure C:Current Institutional Services for SMEs
Annexure D:Findings of Mini Survey
Annexure E:Questionnaire
References
This project for the promotion of entrepreneurship among women in small and cottage industries (RAS/92/M12/SWC) is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and executed by the South Asia Multidisciplinary Advisory Team of the International Labour Organisation, ILO-SAAT, based in New Delhi.
One of the key activities undertaken under this project has been to commission country studies to assess the status-barriers and constraints, as well as opportunities and support mechanisms-of women's entrepreneurship in each of the five participating countries, viz. India, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand. To date three papers have been produced on Sri Lanka, Nepal and India and published by ILO-SAAT. These reports have been based on a review of the existing literature on this subject. However, in the case of Thailand, not a lot of secondary information exists on the status of women entrepreneurs. In addition, it has not been possible to confirm or verify the findings of the report. Consequently, this report has been produced as "work in progress", in draft form and for limited circulation only. It is hoped that by disseminating this information to a select number of individuals, the case for women's entrepreneurship development in Thailand will be given higher priority. The report has been authored by Prani Obhasanond in accordance with terms of reference provided. The author has extensive experience of the small and cottage industry sector in Thailand, and in recent years she has been playing a key role in promoting entrepreneurship among women.
This report brings together information on various entrepreneurship and industrial development programmes which have been formulated in Thailand. The report also touches on the availability of supply-side economic opportunities, such as credit and marketing support, for women to establish their own enterprises. In addition, the report provides a summary of government services to industry, including those available for small scale enterprises and women's enterprises.
A draft report such as this raises as many questions as it provides answers. This can be due to the paucity of well-researched published material in Thailand in particular. It may also result from underlying biases-both formal and informal-which tend to play down the significance of women's entrepreneurship in many countries.
ILO-SAAT wishes to acknowledge the support received from ILO Area Office and ILOEASMAT in Bangkok in the implementation of this project. As the executing agency for this Project, ILO-SAAT is eager to receive comments, suggestions or additional information relating to the theme of this paper. For more information on ILO's activities, please contact the ILO's Area Office in Bangkok, or ILO's South Asia Multidisciplinary Advisory Team which is based in New Delhi. Contact numbers and addresses are provided in this document.
GERRY FINNEGAN
Senior Small Enterprise and Management Development Specialist
ILO-SAAT
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