PM's China Roadshow to Attract High-Tech Investment to Thailand
Thailand's PM roadshow in China aims to attract major tech investments from Chongqing and Shenzhen, with officials confident the visit will boost foreign direct investment in semiconductors and electronics to compete with Vietnam's investme
On July 19, 2025, in Chengdu, Suphachai Chearavanont, senior vice president of the Charoen Pokphand Group, revealed that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's China roadshow aims to attract investment from major regions such as Chongqing and Shenzhen, which serve as China's advanced technology manufacturing hubs.
Based on regional analysis, Chongqing and Shenzhen are centers of industries Thailand must accelerate, particularly semiconductors, electronics, high-tech manufacturing, and aerospace. If Thailand can attract investors or forge business partnerships from these regions, it will significantly boost foreign direct investment.
Suphachai noted that Thailand received approximately $10 billion in foreign investment last year, while Vietnam attracted $27 billion—a gap that directly impacts GDP growth. This disparity compels Thailand to strengthen its manufacturing and export base, particularly in electronics and semiconductors, though Western capital inflows remain below potential despite positive signals from the data center sector.
The key to attracting Chinese investment lies in building trust and demonstrating that Thailand is a friendly nation prepared to welcome investment through favorable laws, tax incentives, and government facilitation. Chinese investors prioritize destination-country readiness to mitigate investment risk.
"This visit carries good omens because the Prime Minister understands both the public sector, politics, and private mechanisms—critical factors for building investment confidence and good governance. This enables senior Chinese leaders to listen to proposals and reassure Chinese investors seeking ASEAN production centers, particularly when compared to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia," Suphachai said.
Suphachai stated that this economic offensive is a crucial step to reposition Thailand as the primary investment destination from the East, especially for emerging industries from Chongqing and Shenzhen, to strengthen Thailand's long-term economic structure.
