On 5 - 6 August 2025, H.E. Mrs. Piyapin Niyomrerks, Ambassador of Thailand to Kazakhstan, led over 20 participants of the Royal Thai Embassy’s Project on the Promotion of Women’s Role in SMEs among CICA Member States in the study visits to successful Thai women-led SMEs as well as Thailand’s historical sites. The delegation comprised representatives from women’s empowerment agencies in the SME sector and female business executives from CICA Member States, inlcuding Azerbaijan, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan, as well as from the CICA Secretariat.

On 5 August 2025, the delegation visited Siam Fresh Enterprises Co., Ltd., founded and owned by Mrs. Vipawalee Watjanapinyo, where they viewed the company’s presentation, toured production processes, and exchanged information on the success of Thai female entrepreneurs in elevating Thai agricultural products to global markets. Mrs. Vipawalee is a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Export Award 2018 for Best Thai Brand and the Prime Minister’s Export Award 2023 for Best Exporter. Afterwards, the delegation visited Phothalai Wellness & Longevity, a premium spa managed by a female executive team, to learn about Thailand’s strength in health and wellness tourism, particularly in integrating traditional Thai massage and herbal remedies into spa services.

On 6 August 2025, the delegation visited the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to appreciate Thailand’s rich history and cultural heritage sites, including Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and experienced traditional Thai culture by donning Thai attire to immerse themselves in the historical atmosphere. Later, the delegation visited the SUPPORT Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, to learn about the Royal support and contribution to the preservation of Thai handicrafts and the promotion of rural community development through livelihood creation for Thai women, an exemplary model of linking culture with grassroots economic development and women’s empowerment.

This study program not only highlighted the strength and potential of Thai women-led SMEs but also served as an inspiration for delegates from CICA Member States, who witnessed successful examples of Thai women entrepreneurs driving sustainable business growth while preserving cultural values and advancing the creative economy. Furthermore, the visits opened doors for cross-border business networking, fostering closer linkages between Thai women entrepreneurs and CICA representatives, which may pave way for future trade and innovation cooperation. Importantly, the program enhanced Thailand’s image on the international stage, reinforcing the country’s role as a dynamic SMEs hub, a promoter of inclusive development, and a champion of women’s empowerment, while also showcasing Thailand’s cultural heritage, and further promote friendship and mutual understanding among CICA Member States.