Abstract

This study examined the entrepreneurial characteristics, development needs, and proposed a development model for Royal Thai Army reservists before discharge. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative data from 416 reservists via a structured questionnaire with qualitative insights from interviews with 10 reservists and five commanding officers. Quantitative results indicated high levels across seven entrepreneurial characteristics: motivation (M = 4.12), integrity (M = 3.94), creativity (M = 3.75), reflection (M = 3.75), opportunity recognition (M = 3.47), risk-taking (M = 3.57), and problem-solving (M = 3.53). Development needs were also high in all dimensions, with motivation (M = 4.05) and integrity (M = 4.01) ranking highest. Qualitative findings revealed diverse entrepreneurial aspirations—mainly in food, retail, livestock, and logistics—while highlighting strengths such as integrity, discipline, and perseverance, alongside gaps in creativity, opportunity recognition, and risk management. Reservists favored practical, hands-on training, short theoretical sessions, access to funding, and market opportunities within or near military facilities. Commanding officers emphasized similar strengths but noted constraints, including limited capital, low education, insufficient business knowledge, and a reliance on orders. They recommended integrating mindset training, basic business skills, and innovation into blended workshops with real-market simulations and post-discharge support. The integrated results inform a comprehensive development framework centered on creativity, opportunity identification, and practical operations, supported by institutional facilitation and mentoring to enhance entrepreneurial readiness.

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