Purpose: This qualitative study aims to explore how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurial ecosystems in Pattaya, Thailand, can empower the local economy to diversify beyond its traditional reliance on the tourism sector. It underscores the imperative of economic diversification for tourism-centric economies, especially in light of vulnerabilities exposed by global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Method/Design/Approach: Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilizes in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participatory research methods with local entrepreneurs and stakeholders. This approach facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the experiences, strategies, and perceptions of those directly involved in Pattaya's SMEs and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Results and Conclusion: The research findings highlight a significant trend towards digital innovation and a reorientation towards local markets among Pattaya's SMEs. It uncovers the necessity for substantial investments in technology and digital infrastructure to enhance economic resilience and adaptability. Furthermore, the study accentuates the pivotal role of government in fostering an enabling environment through regulatory reforms, financial incentives, and infrastructure enhancements. The importance of educational initiatives in nurturing entrepreneurial skills and the critical involvement of the private sector and international organizations in supporting economic diversification efforts are also detailed. The conclusion posits that a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach is vital for the sustainable economic development of Pattaya, moving beyond its traditional tourism-focused model. Originality/Value: This study contributes original insights into the challenges and opportunities for economic diversification in tourism-dependent economies, with a particular focus on Pattaya, Thailand. It offers valuable practical recommendations for SMEs, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Moreover, it underscores the importance of embracing digital transformation and fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem as key strategies for achieving sustainable economic growth and resilience against global disruptions.

Purpose: This research explores the impact of disaster resilience, social resilience, organizational resilience, and business resilience on the growth of multinational corporations (MNCs) in Australia. The research aims to investigate the influence of these resilience variables on MNC growth in Australia. Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework is developed based on the concepts of disaster resilience, social resilience, business resilience, organizational resilience, and MNC growth. Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire was used as the research instrument to collect data, and the Structural Equation Model (SEM) was employed to determine the relationship between resilience variables and MNC growth in Australia. Findings: The findings indicate that disaster resilience, social resilience, organizational resilience, and business resilience significantly influence the growth of MNCs in Australia. However, the impact of the epidemic was found to be the primary influencing factor, while disaster resilience and organizational resilience did not have a direct influence on MNC growth in Australia. Research, Practical & Social implications: The study highlights the originality and value of MNCs contributing to resilience variables by implementing risk reduction measures, supporting community preparedness and response, and investing in sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Originality/value: These findings provide insights for MNCs operating in Australia to enhance their resilience strategies and facilitate sustainable growth in the face of various challenges.

Purpose: This study investigates ways to enhance economic stability in tourism-dependent regions, using Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand, as a case study. Theoretical Reference: Thailand's heavy reliance on tourism, constituting about 17% of its GDP, sets the context. The study gathers insights from SMEs in Chonburi Province through in-depth interviews. Method: In-depth interviews with SMEs reveal challenges faced by small hotel businesses, including high taxation and substantial expenses, with a focus on labor costs and pre-existing issues like excessive charges. Results and Conclusion: Prioritizing the hotel industry over attracting new tourists is key. Post-COVID-19 economic stability in Pattaya's tourism industry requires a comprehensive approach involving industry revitalization, diversification, support for local businesses, sustainable practices, infrastructure investments, marketing, and government-industry collaboration. Implications of Research: This research underscores the importance of addressing challenges in tourism-driven regions during crises and offers practical insights for safeguarding economic stability. Originality/Value: The study's unique focus on Pattaya provides valuable insights for similar regions, offering strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities caused by external shocks like pandemics.