MRA Grant for Thailand: Your Strategic Advantage for Expanding into the Thai Market

Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies, offering abundant opportunities for Singapore SMEs looking to expand their business footprint. As the second-largest economy in the region and a hub for tourism, manufacturing, and digital services, Thailand presents a wealth of potential across multiple sectors. To assist Singapore-based SMEs in tapping into this growing market, Enterprise Singapore offers the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant for Thailand.

This guide will walk you through the benefits of expanding into Thailand, the application process, eligible activities, and how to make full use of the MRA Grant Thailand to facilitate a successful overseas venture.

Why Thailand is an Ideal Market for Singapore SMEs

With a population of nearly 70 million and a strong infrastructure base, Thailand remains a cornerstone of regional trade and investment. Here’s why Singapore SMEs should consider Thailand as a top-tier internationalisation target:

1. Diverse and Large Consumer Market

Thailand’s sizeable middle class continues to grow, fueling demand for quality consumer goods, services, and digital platforms. Urban centers such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket offer concentrated access to target demographics.

2. Strategic ASEAN Location

As a logistics hub with strong connectivity to the rest of Southeast Asia, Thailand serves as a natural gateway to neighbouring countries like Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

3. Robust Digital Adoption

With high mobile penetration and internet usage, Thailand is a fertile ground for digital-first businesses, from e-commerce to fintech and digital health.

4. Singapore-Thailand Business Relations

Singapore is among Thailand’s top investors. Bilateral agreements and ASEAN frameworks ease the path for Singapore SMEs to enter the Thai market with government-level support.

Understanding the MRA Grant Thailand

The Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant for Thailand is a co-funding scheme by Enterprise Singapore that subsidises internationalisation activities for eligible SMEs. Under this grant, Singapore businesses can claim up to 50% of qualifying costs, capped at S$100,000 per new market per fiscal year.

This support helps companies offset the cost of entering the Thai market, allowing them to focus on business development and market adaptation.

Eligibility Criteria for the MRA Grant for Thailand

To be eligible for the MRA Grant Thailand, your business must:

• Be registered and operating in Singapore

• Have at least 30% local shareholding

• Group annual sales turnover should not exceed S$100 million, or the company should have fewer than 200 employees

• Not have applied for MRA funding for Thailand within the same fiscal year

Applications must be submitted before the commencement of any grant-related activity.

What Activities Are Covered Under the MRA Grant Thailand?

Enterprise Singapore categorizes eligible MRA-supported activities into three main groups:

1. Overseas Market Promotion

• Participating in trade exhibitions or conferences in Thailand (e.g., in Bangkok or Chiang Mai)

• Advertising campaigns, social media marketing, and localised digital promotions

• Public relations services and media coverage in the Thai market

2. Overseas Business Development

• Engaging in business matching with Thai distributors, retailers, or strategic partners

• Appointment setting and lead generation activities

• Market research and feasibility studies by in-market consultants

3. Overseas Market Set-Up

• Legal, tax, and business advisory services for company incorporation in Thailand

• Intellectual property registration and protection in Thailand

• In-market HR consultancy or support for local hiring and employment compliance

These activities are designed to support a complete market entry journey—from initial research to operational execution.

Breakdown of Grant Support Amounts

The MRA Grant Thailand provides funding in the following categories:

Activity Type	Maximum Support Amount
Market Promotion	Up to S$20,000
Business Development	Up to S$50,000
Market Set-Up	Up to S$30,000

Each cap is aligned with the core business development stages to support growth in a structured and strategic manner.

MRA Grant Thailand Application Process

Applying for the MRA Grant for Thailand is simple if you follow the correct steps. Here’s a detailed overview:

Step 1: Prepare for Application

• Confirm your company’s eligibility

• Select qualified vendors (for advisory, business development, etc.)

• Obtain quotations, proposals, and descriptions of the activities

Step 2: Submit Application via Business Grants Portal

• Log into the Business Grants Portal (BGP) with your CorpPass

• Select the “Market Readiness Assistance Grant”

• Choose “Thailand” as the target market

• Upload supporting documents and submit

Step 3: Receive Approval from Enterprise Singapore

• Wait for official approval before commencing any work or incurring expenses

Step 4: Execute the Activities

• Conduct the approved activities as described in your proposal

• Keep all supporting documentation (contracts, deliverables, receipts, etc.)

Step 5: Submit Your Claim

• After project completion, submit your claim via BGP

• Enterprise Singapore will assess and process your reimbursement
  

Tips for a Successful MRA Grant Thailand Application

To enhance your chances of success, follow these best practices:

• Do not start activities before approval – Pre-commencement disqualifies the claim.

• Choose vendors wisely – Certain activities require Enterprise Singapore-approved consultants.

• Stay within funding limits – Each category has a cap—plan your budget accordingly.

• Document everything – From quotations and photos to deliverables and final reports.
  

Case Examples: Using the MRA Grant in Thailand

Case Study 1: Boutique Fashion Brand

A Singapore fashion label used the MRA Grant Thailand to participate in a retail trade fair in Bangkok. The grant funded their booth rental, PR outreach, and influencer marketing, resulting in partnerships with two local boutiques.

Case Study 2: Healthcare Tech Platform

A medtech company used the grant to conduct market research and compliance consultations in Thailand. With MRA support, they successfully launched a pilot program in collaboration with Thai hospitals.

Case Study 3: Specialty F&B Franchise

A premium tea brand from Singapore opened its first franchise outlet in Bangkok using MRA funding to hire a Thai legal consultant, local marketing team, and business matchmaker.

These success stories show how companies from various industries have effectively used the MRA Grant for Thailand to gain traction in a new market.

Why Work with a Consultant for MRA Grant Thailand?

Working with an experienced consultant or internationalisation advisor can simplify the application and claim process. Consultants provide:

• In-depth understanding of Enterprise Singapore’s requirements

• Assistance in structuring a strong proposal and budgeting

• Connections with approved vendors and in-market partners

• Hands-on support for claims submission and documentation

This is particularly helpful for SMEs that are new to regional expansion and need guidance on regulatory or cultural nuances in Thailand.

Industries with High Potential in Thailand

Singapore SMEs in the following industries are especially well-positioned to benefit from expanding into Thailand:

• Consumer Goods and Retail – Thai consumers are drawn to high-quality, branded products from Singapore

• Digital Services and Fintech – Thailand’s rapidly growing digital economy offers strong demand for innovation

• Food & Beverage – Singapore F&B brands are well received, especially in urban and tourism-heavy areas

• Education and Training – There is rising interest in international education and upskilling solutions

• Healthcare & Wellness – Thai consumers are increasingly focused on wellness, fitness, and health technologies

Matching your product or service to a suitable niche in Thailand is key to success.

Conclusion: Use the MRA Grant Thailand to Fuel Regional Expansion

The MRA Grant for Thailand is a powerful enabler for Singapore SMEs aiming to establish a presence in one of ASEAN’s most vibrant markets. With up to S$100,000 in co-funding, your business can afford to take calculated steps in exploring, promoting, and setting up operations in Thailand without bearing the full cost burden.

Whether you are planning to exhibit at a trade fair, hire a consultant to navigate Thai regulations, or launch a digital marketing campaign, the MRA Grant Thailand makes international growth more accessible and sustainable.

If your SME is ready to venture into Thailand, now is the time to leverage government support and take that critical first step.