PM Anutin Leads Thai Delegation to Chengdu Investment Forum
Prime Minister Anutin led a Thai delegation to Chengdu to launch an investment forum and negotiate with six major Chinese corporations in technology, automotive, and tourism sectors. The visit aims to strengthen economic ties and attract Ch
Prime Minister Anutin Anutin Chaiyawongse led an economic mission to Chengdu to open a Thai-China investment forum and conduct one-on-one negotiations with six major corporations in technology, automotive, and tourism sectors to attract investment into Thailand.
Reporting from the People's Republic of China, Prime Minister Anutin Chaiyawongse and the Minister of Interior, accompanied by a high-level Thai government delegation, are on an official visit to China from July 16-20, 2025. On July 18, the Prime Minister led the delegation from Shanghai to Chengdu, Sichuan Province, to advance full-scale economic, technology, and tourism cooperation. The delegation participated in the "Prime Minister-Thai Private Sector Luncheon" to exchange perspectives with Thailand's leading business representatives and hear recommendations for penetrating the Chinese market.
A total of 48 Thai companies with 153 representatives attended the business negotiations in Chengdu, combining both those already conducting joint ventures with Chinese investors and those seeking new business partnerships. One hundred ten business leaders participated in the luncheon with the Prime Minister.
Eleven prominent business executives dined at the PM's table, including Pimjai Lee Isisaranukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries; Norungsak Putthaprommonkol, President of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Viboon Suphakropongkul, Vice President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; Surachai Jiaranon, Senior Vice President of Charoen Pokphand Group; Saravuth Yuvittaya, CEO of TCP Business Group; Supralaks Ampuch, Chairman of The Mall Group; Vikrom Kromditsathit, CEO of AMATA; Vichai Kulsomsap, CEO and Chairman of Sahapattana Group; Yothin Damnanchaivanit, President of Industrial Park 304; Chaya Chantavasu, Senior Vice President of PTT; and Manoo Chotetewanya, Chairman of Sahafarm.
The Prime Minister will use this opportunity to gather feedback and recommendations from Thailand's private sector to discuss with the Chinese government. A meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled for July 20. The Board of Investment (BOI) office in Chengdu was officially opened during the visit to serve as a link connecting Chinese investors to Thailand, signaling the Thai government's commitment to deepening trade and investment relations with China at the regional level.
Sichuan Province is strategically important as China's sixth-largest economy with a population of over 80 million, with economic potential comparable to Thailand. Thailand and China have emphasized connectivity through the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Chengdu-Chongqing economic corridor, which will position the region as a crucial connection point between western China, South Asia, and ASEAN, with Thailand serving as the region's primary gateway.
The Prime Minister revealed that last year, the value of investment promotion applications from Chinese entrepreneurs reached a record 380,000 million yuan, equivalent to an economic stimulus of over 1 trillion baht, a 67% increase from the previous year. Trade between Thailand and Sichuan in 2025 expanded by 112%, reflecting investor confidence in Thailand's infrastructure, clean energy, and strong supply chains.
