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MRA Grant for Thailand

Introduction to the MRA Grant

Singapore’s Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant is a key support scheme offered by Enterprise Singapore to help local SMEs venture into new overseas markets. The grant is structured to reduce the costs and risks associated with early-stage international expansion. It offers up to 50% funding support for activities across overseas promotion, business development, and market setup, capped at S$100,000 per company per fiscal year.

Among the ASEAN economies, Thailand is a popular choice for Singapore businesses looking to establish a regional presence. With a large and diversified economy, improved infrastructure, and business-friendly government initiatives, Thailand presents strong potential for Singapore SMEs ready to scale abroad.

Why Companies Expand to Thailand

Thailand is the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia and a major hub for regional trade, manufacturing, and tourism. Its capital, Bangkok, is a commercial powerhouse and a strategic location for regional headquarters. Singapore companies are drawn to Thailand for several reasons:

  • Large consumer base: With a population of over 70 million, Thailand has a growing middle class that actively consumes lifestyle, health, education, and digital services.
  • Business-friendly environment: Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) offers tax incentives, streamlined processes, and investor support for foreign firms.
  • Robust infrastructure: Extensive transportation networks, industrial zones, and digital connectivity facilitate business operations.
  • Strong Singapore–Thailand trade ties: As ASEAN partners, both countries share favourable trade relations, easing business activities for Singapore firms.

From manufacturing and retail to fintech and logistics, many sectors offer opportunities for SMEs from Singapore to tap into Thailand’s expanding economy.

Eligible Activities under the MRA Grant

The MRA Grant supports three main categories of internationalisation activities, all of which can be applied to Thailand:

  1. Overseas Market Promotion
    • Participation in trade fairs and expos held in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket
    • Running online or offline marketing campaigns targeting Thai audiences
    • Creating Thai-language promotional materials and ads
  2. Overseas Business Development
    • Engaging Thailand-based business consultants or matchmakers
    • Hiring temporary local staff or representatives to build networks and gather insights
    • Exploring partnerships with Thai distributors or franchisees
  3. Overseas Market Setup
    • Setting up a Thai subsidiary or representative office
    • Securing legal and tax advisory support for company registration
    • Trademark and IP protection in Thailand

These activities are designed to ease your company’s entry into Thailand and increase the chances of a successful market launch.

Expenses Supported for Thailand Expansion

With the MRA Grant, Singapore companies can receive funding support for several types of expenses during their expansion into Thailand, including:

  • Trade fair participation costs, such as booth rental, promotional materials, and travel expenses
  • Digital marketing expenditure on Thai platforms and social media (e.g., LINE, Facebook, Google)
  • Translation and localisation services for websites, product labels, brochures, and ad content
  • Legal incorporation fees for setting up a company in Thailand
  • Market research and feasibility studies conducted by local consultants
  • Professional fees for legal, tax, and employment advisory services

These claims must be project-specific, non-retrospective, and pre-approved to qualify for reimbursement.

Common Use Cases in Thailand

Many Singapore SMEs from various industries use the MRA Grant to build their foothold in Thailand. Examples include:

  • A health supplement company launching a marketing campaign targeting Thai wellness consumers
  • A logistics software firm engaging Thai sales agents and partners to serve Bangkok’s logistics sector
  • A Singaporean bakery brand opening its first outlet in a premium Bangkok mall
  • An early education centre working with a local franchisee to enter the Thai market
  • A mobile app startup conducting in-market user testing and brand awareness activities in Thailand

These real-life scenarios demonstrate the wide applicability of the MRA Grant for diverse business types and objectives.

Challenges Faced During Expansion and How MRA Helps

Despite its strong business environment, Thailand has unique challenges that foreign companies must manage carefully:

  • Language and cultural differences: Thai is the primary business language, and local customs may require adjustment in marketing and communications.
  • Regulatory navigation: Setting up a business in Thailand involves various government authorities, licenses, and industry-specific compliance rules.
  • Competitive landscape: In major cities, competition is intense—especially in consumer sectors like food, retail, and education.

The MRA Grant helps address these challenges by funding local expert support, allowing companies to engage experienced consultants, lawyers, and marketers. This ensures a smoother, more informed entry strategy and reduces the financial burden of engaging qualified in-market professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the MRA Grant for your Thailand expansion, your business must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be a Singapore-registered and operating entity
  2. Have at least 30% local shareholding
  3. Group annual turnover of not more than S$100 million OR group employment size of no more than 200 employees
  4. Have no significant presence in the Thai market at the time of application

Companies must also ensure that no payments or project commencement occurs before the approval letter is issued by Enterprise Singapore.

Required Documentation

Applicants must prepare a comprehensive set of supporting documents when applying for MRA Grant funding for Thailand-related activities. These typically include:

  • ACRA business profile
  • Financial statements for the past financial year
  • A detailed business proposal outlining Thailand market plans
  • Quotations from Thai or Singapore-based vendors
  • Breakdown of projected costs and KPIs
  • Background on the Thai market strategy and expected outcomes

All submissions are reviewed based on clarity, feasibility, and alignment with MRA funding objectives.

Application Process

Here’s a step-by-step outline of the application process for the MRA Grant for Thailand:

  1. Project Planning
    • Define your business goals, planned activities, and market entry approach
    • Obtain vendor quotations and develop a timeline
  2. Apply via Business Grants Portal
    • Log in using your company’s CorpPass and submit the MRA Grant application
    • Attach required documents and vendor quotations
  3. Enterprise Singapore Review
    • The review period may take 4–8 weeks
    • Clarifications may be requested before approval
  4. Receive Letter of Offer
    • Upon approval, a Letter of Offer will be issued
    • Activities must not begin before the date stated in the letter
  5. Execute Activities
    • Carry out your expansion plan within the approved timeframe and scope
  6. Claims Submission
    • After project completion, submit proof of expenses (invoices, receipts, contracts, bank statements)
  7. Submit Post-Project Report
    • Provide an outcomes summary with key performance indicators and learnings

Following this structured approach increases the chances of receiving reimbursement and ensures alignment with MRA compliance standards.

Conclusion

Thailand’s thriving economy, regional connectivity, and growing consumer market make it an ideal choice for Singapore SMEs aiming to internationalise. Whether you’re entering the retail, education, manufacturing, tech, or services sector, Thailand presents a wealth of opportunity—especially for companies ready to invest in long-term growth.

However, success in Thailand depends on proper market insight, cultural alignment, and the ability to navigate regulatory and operational requirements. That’s where the MRA Grant proves to be an invaluable asset. By covering significant portions of your expansion-related expenses, it allows you to explore new opportunities with reduced financial risk and increased confidence.

With the right strategy, strong local support, and effective use of MRA funding, your business can turn its Thai market ambitions into tangible results.