Thai PM Opens Chengdu Investment Forum, Courts Sichuan Business
Thailand's PM opened an investment forum in Chengdu and launched the BOI's office there, positioning Thailand as a key hub for Chinese businesses seeking ASEAN and Asian market access. The government is promoting investment through expedite
Prime Minister Anusit Chanyawimol and Deputy Interior Minister presided over the opening of the Thailand–China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum 2026 on July 18 at Tianfu International Convention Center in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. The event also marked the official launch of the BOI Chengdu Office, attended by Sichuan provincial officials, senior executives from both countries, investors, and Thai-Chinese private sector representatives.
The PM expressed gratitude to the Chinese government, Sichuan provincial authorities, and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (Sichuan branch) for supporting the forum and BOI office opening. He noted that Sichuan, with 80 million people and China's sixth-largest economy, is a major economic and industrial hub. Thailand, he said, offers competitive advantages including its position as ASEAN's geographical center, quality infrastructure, strong supply chains, skilled workforce, and clean energy resources.
The government is pursuing a three-dimensional economic development strategy: accelerating business approvals through the Thailand FastPass program (which has already facilitated over 750 billion baht in investment), upgrading Thai entrepreneurs and personnel through BOI competitiveness funds and skill-bridge programs, and strengthening the domestic economy through short-term stimulus measures and structural reforms in energy and digital sectors. These efforts have earned recognition from Moody's and S&P Global Ratings, which upgraded Thailand's creditworthiness outlook, while Thailand's IMD competitiveness ranking continues to rise.
The PM highlighted the significant trade potential between Sichuan and Thailand through the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle initiative, positioning Thailand as a central hub linking China's western regions with South Asia, Central Asia, and ASEAN.
