PM discusses with French investors, positioning Thailand as hub for aviation and clean energy industries; Europe eyes expanded investment in Thailand
Prime Minister Anuthín met with French business executives in Paris to discuss expanding investment in Thailand's aviation, aerospace, and clean energy sectors, with companies like Rotortrade planning helicopter maintenance operations and V
On May 24 at the InterContinental Hotel in Paris, Prime Minister Anuthín Charnvírakul held discussions with Pierre Jaffre, president of the Thai-European Business Association (TEBA), and executives from four French companies—Rotortrade, Satys, Verventia, and Virya Energy—to explore expanded investment opportunities in Thailand, particularly in future industries including aerospace, aviation, and clean energy.
Government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek reported that Rotortrade, which provides new and used helicopter services through Turnkey projects covering procurement and maintenance, expressed interest in establishing operations in Thailand, including a helicopter maintenance center to serve regional customers while using Thailand as a base for Asia-Pacific level maintenance services. The company currently operates main service centers in France and the United States.
Ratchada noted that Satys, a global aircraft painting and coating services provider, is interested in expanding aircraft painting services in Thailand, which would enhance Thailand's aircraft maintenance capabilities and enable full-cycle aircraft maintenance operations within the country.
Verventia has recognized Thailand's potential as a regional hub for foreign private sector investment, while Virya Energy, a clean energy producer, already operates in Thailand through Constant Energy with accumulated investment of 2 billion baht, focusing on solar energy production, and plans further expansion in the country.
Ratchada stated that Thailand has become a focal point for foreign investors seeking to increase investment, aligning with the Prime Minister's efforts to advance Thailand-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and the Board of Investment's (BOI) measures and incentives to attract investment in future industries such as AI aviation, where leading European companies see opportunities and potential in these Thai industries.
