PM Anutin Dismisses Japanese Investor Exodus Rumors
PM Anutin denied rumors of Japanese investor exodus during an Australia visit, pledging government support for manufacturers who form the backbone of Thailand's automotive and industrial sectors. He noted foreign investment has surged to ov
On August 21, during an official visit to Australia and New Zealand, Prime Minister Anutin Charansanitwong stated that the government values investors from all countries, particularly Japanese manufacturers who have long used Thailand as a primary production hub and become integral to Thai industry. The government is committed to reassuring established investors of its continued support. "My core policy is to remain open and improve conditions to facilitate business operations within good relations for sustainable growth, emphasizing long-term economic development cooperation to maintain Japan's strong production base in Thailand," the Prime Minister said. He noted that the automotive industry is critical, with most components—engines, bodies, chassis, and systems—already manufactured in Thailand under Japanese brands, making it inseparable and requiring investors to remain confident. "Japanese investors came to Thailand very early and became so integrated it is now indistinguishable from Thai manufacturing," he said. "We are ready to resolve obstacles to assure them we will not abandon them—not promising everything when we need them, then adding conditions once they succeed." Regarding electric vehicles, Anutin said he has tasked Deputy Prime Minister Ek Niti with reviewing approaches to ensure foreign investors are not disadvantaged, with structural adjustments to ensure fairness and maintain confidence from all manufacturers. While EV production initially requires many imported components, he said a new domestic supply chain will eventually emerge—batteries, computer systems, and other parts will be compelled by manufacturing mechanisms to establish bases in Thailand. The government will maintain political and economic stability to attract and retain long-term investment. "We must rely on figures," he stated. "Foreign investment inflows have increased significantly since this administration took office, exceeding 1 trillion baht last year, with 530 billion baht in actual investment in the first half of this year alone. There is no evidence of production base relocation or investment slowdown due to Thailand being unprepared."
