Institutional Fragmentation and the Operational Realities of Design Studios in Thailand’s Creative Economy

Abstract

This research examined how macro-level government resource allocations within Thailand's creative economy impacted the micro-level strategic and operational capacity of design practitioners. Utilizing qualitative thematic analysis of interviews with government agencies (CEA, DITP, BOI, DIP) and private-sector designers in Bangkok, the study identified a critical disconnect driven by three systemic barriers: incomprehensive support, strategic misalignment, and institutional fragmentation. Findings revealed that while the government initiatives prioritized entrepreneurial growth, they frequently failed to champion design as a strategic asset. Local clients treated design as a simple commodity, leading to widespread design devaluation and ignored intellectual property (IP) royalties. Combined with heavy administrative burdens, these constraints forced design SMEs into precarious project-based management and severe financial strain. This fragmented policy environment actively dismantled the practitioners' capacity to act as strategic gatekeepers of cross-industry innovation. The study concluded that policymakers must shift toward providing foundational economic safeguards and fostering a broader social appreciation for IP to protect the strategic value of design. Future studies should investigate these policy-practice dynamics across diverse national contexts in the Global South.