Anutin gathers Thailand's top tycoons for economy talks

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met leading Thai business executives at Government House on 15 May to discuss ways to strengthen the country's economic competitiveness amid global economic challenges.

The meeting, held at Phakdibodin Building, brought together cabinet ministers and some of Thailand's most influential business figures, including Dhanin Chearavanont of Charoen Pokphand Group, Vathit Chokwatana of Saha Pathanapibul, Sarath Ratanavadi of Gulf Development and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha of King Power.

Anutin said the meeting was intended as a platform for the private sector to speak while the government listened, stressing that economic growth could not be achieved without close cooperation between the state and businesses.

"The government and private sector must move forward together," he said. "If businesses succeed, Thailand succeeds. Everyone becomes a winner."

The prime minister said the government was focused on reducing regulatory obstacles, simplifying approval procedures, addressing labour shortages and supporting industries linked to green energy and modern technologies.

Anutin also referred to discussions during last week's ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, where regional leaders focused on clean energy cooperation, an ASEAN power grid and food security. He said ASEAN countries were increasingly aligned on issues such as clean energy, logistics and food security, adding that Thailand had strong potential to become a regional hub in all three sectors.

The meeting was followed by a dinner hosted by the government for the business leaders.