New Thai Chamber of Commerce President Pimjai Unveils '5I' Vision to Drive Economic Growth at 1.2-1.6%
New Thai Chamber of Commerce president Pimjai unveiled a "5I" economic framework targeting 1.2-1.6% GDP growth by focusing on AI adoption, innovation, international partnerships, infrastructure reform, and domestic consumption to strengthen
Pimjai Leeisaranukul, newly appointed president of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), has unveiled a comprehensive policy framework for 2026-2028 under the banner "The New Chapter of Thai Industry: Empowering Growth with 5I" to establish fresh growth foundations for Thailand's industrial sector. Thailand's economy is projected to expand modestly at 1.2-1.6% GDP growth in 2026 amid global economic volatility and rapid structural changes, forcing Thai businesses to contend with elevated production costs, supply chain uncertainties, and increasingly stringent trade requirements.
The TCC will execute five key initiatives: I1-Intelligent Industry aims to elevate manufacturing through AI and automation to reduce costs and enhance efficiency toward smart factories and original equipment manufacturing, supported by systematic access to capital, technology, and knowledge, particularly through partnerships with government and financial institutions to develop specialized financing tools like AI & Automation Transition Loans.
I2-Innovation & Creative Industry seeks to transform Thai industry from contract manufacturing into branded, high-value production by leveraging intellectual property and implementing industry-driven research and development to bridge the gap between research and commercial application, while promoting Thai brands and emerging sectors such as health and wellness and rail transport systems.
I3-International Alliance & Network leverages Thailand's neutrality to attract new investment and expand trade opportunities in high-potential industries, integrating supply chains domestically and regionally to position Thailand as an effective Regional Industry Hub.
I4-Industrial Infrastructure Reform restructures Thailand's industrial foundations to reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, and advance sustainable economics by addressing energy constraints through clean energy adoption and cost-effective alternatives like Direct PPAs, reforming outdated regulations via Regulatory Guillotine and Omnibus Law approaches, and protecting Thai industries from unfair competition through an AI-enabled Trade Remedy Early Warning System.
The initiative also emphasizes the Made in Thailand Plus policy to increase domestic product consumption and expand both domestic and international markets, while prioritizing human capital development through upskilling, reskilling, AI and robotics collaboration, and global talent attraction.
