Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has introduced a comprehensive set of economic reforms aimed at enhancing Thailand’s attractiveness to foreign investors and fortifying its status as a business hub in Southeast Asia. During her speech at the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) Prime Minister Address Luncheon on February 17, 2025, she outlined strategies to simplify regulations, expand digital infrastructure, and promote sustainable business practices. The event, attended by key government figures and business leaders, focused on fostering transparency and boosting competitiveness in critical sectors such as technology, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy.
JFCCT Chairwoman Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg highlighted Thailand’s economic resilience, noting robust performances in exports, tourism, and foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in regions backed by the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and the Board of Investment (BOI). She stressed the importance of regulatory reforms and digital transformation to improve business efficiency and underscored the need for greater collaboration between large corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to ensure inclusive economic growth.
Representatives from the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office also shared insights on the growing trade and infrastructure ties between Thailand and China. The development of the China-Laos Railway and Thailand’s high-speed rail projects are expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and facilitate smoother trade routes across ASEAN. Thailand’s active participation in initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and regional trade agreements like RCEP and ACFTA is poised to open up new markets and attract more foreign investment.
UOB Thailand, a prominent financial institution, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting investment by providing financial services, facilitating cross-border trade, and offering digital banking solutions. The bank has played a vital role in helping foreign companies establish operations in Thailand, contributing significantly to the country’s investment inflows and job creation. UOB emphasized that digital transformation and sustainable finance are key drivers of future economic growth, with the bank pledging to tailor its financial solutions to support Thailand’s evolving business environment.
Thailand’s investment climate remains strong, with applications for investment totaling 1.14 trillion baht (approximately USD 32.8 billion) in 2024. Of this, 832 billion baht (USD 23.9 billion) was from foreign investors. The government plans to further advance regulatory reforms, expand trade agreements, and introduce incentives to attract multinational corporations, support SMEs, and foster emerging industries.
Government officials and business leaders in attendance included Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg, and representatives from the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, and UOB Thailand.
