PM Pitches Thailand as ASEAN Hub to Top US Firms

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister met major US business leaders at the Four Seasons in New York on September 23, organized by the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council and U.S. Chamber of Commerce to build future economic opportunities for Thailand.

Anutin told the assembled executives that Thailand's position as ASEAN's central hub means US investment and trade would reach not just 70 million Thai citizens but serve as a gateway to 700 million people across the region. He noted that Thailand has advanced trade agreements with multiple countries and economic zones, including ongoing final negotiations with the US. The government has streamlined the Thailand Fast Pass system to reduce business bureaucracy, with investment promotion requests in the first half of the year reaching approximately 44 billion US dollars, a 37 percent increase year-over-year.

The Prime Minister said Thailand aims to be among the world's top 20 most competitive nations by 2030 and stands ready as both an investment destination and partner for shared US business growth and prosperity.

Brian McFeeters, President and CEO of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, called Thailand an important long-term strategic market for the US, with American business ready to explore new trade and investment opportunities. Michael DeSombre, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, noted significant potential to expand cooperation in investment, technology, energy, and supply chains, particularly in superintelligence technology applicable across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, finance, agriculture, education, and public services.