Bangkok: The Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, inaugurated the Board of Investment (BOI) office in Chengdu, highlighting Thailand's strategic role as a gateway to the ASEAN region and advancing a new era of economic partnership between Thailand and China.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister presided over the opening ceremony of the Thailand-China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum 2026 at the Tianfu International Convention Center in Chengdu. Attended by the Governor of Sichuan Province and high-ranking officials from both nations, the event also saw participation from investors and representatives of the Thai and Chinese private sectors.
The Prime Minister commenced his address with a greeting in Chinese, acknowledging the support of the Chinese government, the Sichuan Provincial Government, and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Sichuan Branch. He emphasized that the inauguration of the BOI Chengdu office marks a significant milestone, underscoring Thailand's commitment to enhancing trade and investment relations with China, particularly at the local level.
He noted Sichuan Province's status as a key economic and industrial hub in China and highlighted Thailand's strengths, including its central ASEAN location, standardized infrastructure, and robust supply chains. The Prime Minister also mentioned the government's initiatives towards bureaucratic reforms and economic restructuring aimed at future industries, resulting in a record high of 380 billion yuan in investment applications to the BOI last year.
The Prime Minister pointed out the potential of trade between Sichuan and Thailand, amplified by the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle. These developments are transforming the region into a vital link on the land Silk Road, directly connecting western China with South Asia, Central Asia, and ASEAN.
He further elaborated on the government's policies for economic development, including the Thailand FastPass project to streamline large investment approvals, the Competitiveness Enhancement Fund to upgrade Thai entrepreneurs, and short-term measures to stimulate purchasing power alongside economic restructuring.
The Prime Minister highlighted recognition from global credit rating agencies like Moody's and SandP Global Ratings, which have upgraded Thailand's credit outlook, reflecting increased investor confidence.
In his concluding remarks, he invited Chinese investors to explore opportunities in Thailand, affirming the country's stability as an investment base and reliable economic partner. He ended his speech with an encouraging message: "Go Thailand! Go China! Go Sichuan! Go dear friend!"
Subsequently, the Prime Minister participated in the opening ceremony of the BOI Chengdu Office and witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding between Thai and Chinese private sectors, aimed at enhancing collaboration in trade, investment, and future industries.