Elevating Thai Industry Into a New Era: Thai Chamber of Commerce Unveils 5I Framework to Drive Industrial Innovation
Thailand's industrial federation unveiled a five-pillar strategy called the 5I framework to modernize the nation's manufacturing sector through innovation, productivity upgrades, and sustainable growth during a Bangkok forum on May 11.
The Federation of Thai Industries president revealed a strategy to advance Thailand's industrial sector and upgrade target industries through innovation using the 5I policy at the 'Matichon X AIS Forum 2026: Innovation Changes Thailand' seminar held on May 11 at Pullman King Power Hotel in Bangkok. The Matichon Group organized the forum to present progress in innovation and Thailand's capacity to leverage innovation as a driving force.
Pimjai Lee Itsaranukul, president of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), speaking on 'Strategy to Drive Industry and Upgrade Target Industries Through Innovation,' stated that the direction for Thai industrial development in the 2026-2028 working period will be 'The New Chapter of Thai Industry,' powered by the 5I policy. The five "I"s represent Industry and comprise five interconnected core strategies.
The framework is divided into I1 through I5, covering production advancement, innovation, global networks, infrastructure, and sustainability. I1 focuses on Productivity, aiming toward Intelligent Industry to drive Smart Industry and elevate manufacturers to Smart OEM status.
I2 emphasizes Innovation and Creativity to add value, with the goal of enabling Thai manufacturers to develop intellectual property ownership and own their product brands to increase value.
Pimjai stated that I3 is International Alliance and Network, targeting Thailand as the world's Supply Chain Hub, leveraging the country's strong geopolitical position.
I1, I2, and I3 represent the business process image for sustainable and competitive growth. This foundation must rest on I4, Industrial Infrastructure Reform, encompassing energy, legislation, protection of domestically produced goods, and human capital development—all critical foundational elements.
Additionally, I5 is Inclusive Sustainable Growth, creating sustainability in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions, which is highly important.
"We will be The New Chapter of Thai Industry, driven by five I policies: from Intelligent Industry upgrading to Smart Industry, Innovation & Creativity creating brands through innovation, International Alliance positioning Thailand as the global supply chain hub, Infrastructure Reform restructuring our foundation, and Inclusive & Sustainable Growth achieving sustainable growth together," Pimjai stated.
She noted that the five dimensions are interconnected, with I1, I2, and I3 serving as the primary mechanisms of industrial business processes. Sustainable and competitive growth requires a strong industrial infrastructure foundation with comprehensive sustainability principles across all dimensions.
Intelligent Industry represents elevating Thai industry to Smart Industry through modern technology adoption, including MES systems, ERP, Robotic Automation, Cloud AI, energy management and renewable energy systems, Smart Logistics, as well as Digital Twin and Data Simulation—all critical mechanisms for industrial advancement.
