PM Anutin's China Trip Secures 70 Billion Baht Investment
PM Anutin's investment roadshow in China secured over 70 billion baht in commitments from major Chinese firms in electric vehicles and technology, with companies like Changan Automobile and InnoLight Technology establishing or expanding ope
The government highlighted a major achievement after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led an investment roadshow in Chengdu, China, holding direct negotiations with four major Chinese corporations and securing over 70 billion baht in planned investment. On July 19, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced the success of talks with top-tier Chinese firms in electric vehicles and advanced technology, expecting to attract 70 billion baht in total investment—comprising 50 billion baht in expanded existing operations and over 20 billion baht in new capital injection. Geopolitical tensions are driving Chinese manufacturers to relocate production from China to ASEAN, with Thailand as a priority target.
The Board of Investment also held business-matching events for Thai entrepreneurs visiting Chengdu to open BOI's new office there, facilitating discussions between Thai and Chinese business partners and spurring additional investment.
"This phenomenon represents a new wave of investment comparable to the 1980s when Japanese capital established manufacturing bases in the Eastern Seaboard, creating the economic boom era. This time, however, it marks a transition to industries of the future—AI technology, electric vehicles, and intelligent robotics—aligned with the International Monetary Fund's assessment that Thailand is emerging as a global technology star," said Deputy PM Ekniti.
China's top-tier EV manufacturer Changan Automobile selected Thailand as its first right-hand-drive manufacturing base outside China, establishing a factory in Rayong province to serve as an export hub to countries with which Thailand has free trade agreements. The company plans to expand production capacity to 200,000 units annually and has already integrated 40 Thai SMEs into its supply chain.
InnoLight Technology, the world's leading optical transmission equipment manufacturer, is expanding its production base in Thailand, creating over 20,000 jobs and collaborating with leading Thai universities to conduct research and development with approximately 1,500 Thai engineers.
Eoptolink Technology, the world's second-largest firm in the same sector, has opened its first factory in Rayong and is expanding a second facility. Additionally, Xiaomi Corporation, the tech giant commanding Thailand's third-largest smartphone market share, is being attracted to use Thailand as a manufacturing base for smart electrical appliances (IoT), leveraging Thailand's strong smart electronics supply chain capabilities.
