Thailand Positioned as Global Investment Hub for Green Industry
Thailand is positioning itself as a global green industry hub, with the government launching initiatives to attract multinational manufacturing investments amid shifting global supply chains and climate regulations. The country's 69 industr
Industry Minister Verawut Silpaarcha inaugurated the I-EA-T Fair 2026 under the theme "One Mind, One I-EA-T Powering Global Industry," announcing Thailand's readiness to become a center for green industry and future supply chains. Partnering with the World Bank and international allies, the government aims to attract high-quality investment from multinational companies seeking new manufacturing bases in the region.
The push comes as the world faces multiple crises—geopolitical tensions, energy volatility, and climate change—prompting companies to reassess supply chains and diversify investments. New global trade measures, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the European Union's sustainability regulations (EUDR), are making sustainability a competitive necessity rather than an option.
Sumet Tantiprasetthi, CEO of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), stated that industrial estates will serve as crucial investment safety zones. Thailand currently operates 69 industrial estates across 16 provinces with infrastructure and incentives supporting global investors, positioning the country advantageously during the global manufacturing shift.
The event included cooperation agreements between IEAT and 24 industry partners to develop a closed-loop waste management system in the Map Ta Phut Complex with an initial investment of 1,000 million baht. The initiative targets recovering over 200,000 tons of materials annually, expanding the circular economy impact by 13-16 times while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 115,000 tons of CO2 equivalent yearly and creating green jobs.
Over 400 executives, investors, and industry representatives from more than 100 companies attended, reflecting confidence in Thailand's potential as a regional investment and green supply chain hub amid global economic transformation.
Melinda Good, World Bank Country Director for Thailand and Myanmar, emphasized that modern competition is no longer about low costs but about adaptability, economic resilience, labor quality, and clean energy infrastructure. The transition to a green economy presents an opportunity to attract high-quality investment, positioning Thailand as a potential regional economic leader.
