Bangkok: The Prime Minister, in collaboration with the Thai private sector, is ready to provide a pathway to create opportunities and boost Thai products into the Chinese market. The Thai Prime Minister, in a show of solidarity with the private sector, pledged that the government would be a "pathway" to creating new opportunities and boosting Thai products in the Chinese market. He announced plans to aggressively negotiate a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to support the private sector's entry into the global market, emphasizing the government's readiness to spearhead investment.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul participated in the 'Prime Minister-Thai Private Sector Luncheon,' a luncheon held at the Tianfu International Convention in Chengdu, People's Republic of China, to exchange views with representatives of the Thai private sector. He was accompanied by Team Thailand, which included 140 Thai private sector executives (CEOs) from various industries such as finance, food, energy, industrial estates, medical and public health, and tourism, who were in Chengdu for business negotiations. 110 of them attended the luncheon with the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister stated on stage that he was pleased to visit Chengdu for the first time and delighted to meet with Thai private sector representatives today. He noted that this official government visit had clear and strong objectives, particularly regarding the promotion of trade and investment between the two countries in emerging industries. He also mentioned that during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday, he received confirmation that "Thailand and China are one family." He added that he would ask both Presidents to support Thai entrepreneurs in China during tomorrow's discussions.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that today's activities, including the opening of the BOI office in Chengdu and the Thailand-China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum this afternoon, mark a milestone and announce Thailand's seriousness in upgrading trade cooperation at the local level. He has assigned the Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Foreign Affairs, ministers and heads of government agencies overseeing the Ministry of Economy and Investment, the Ambassador, and the BOI Secretary-General to discuss and exchange ideas on opportunities and challenges for Thai private sector businesses in China, particularly in Sichuan Province.
The Prime Minister emphasized Thailand's readiness, stating that the government has a duty to seek cooperation and create opportunities for the country and the private sector under the principles of good governance. Therefore, the public and private sectors must work together, adhering to the principles of transparency and accountability - the foundation of good governance. The government's role is to facilitate, for example, by amending laws that hinder investment. He urged the private sector to have confidence in Thailand's readiness and that this government will provide avenues for private sector investment to achieve its highest goals. He stressed that the Thai private sector is strong and growing, not only in the Chinese market but also globally. Therefore, the government's current task is to expedite FTA negotiations with key trading partners.
In closing, the Prime Minister thanked all members of the Thai private sector for their vital role in driving the country's economy. He emphasized that the government's role is to create opportunities, while the private sector is responsible for achieving success. He expressed confidence that if we work together as 'Team Thailand' with a shared goal, Thailand will not only grow in the Chinese market but will also excel and sustainably expand into the global market.
Mr. Anutin stated that currently, no country is as prepared as Thailand. Looking ahead with confidence, Thailand is centrally located, allowing easy access to the north, south, right, and left. While the Land Bridge project has faced objections regarding funding, causing headaches, a meeting with the presidents of the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Thai Bankers' Association suggested that a land bridge isn't necessary. Instead, they proposed connecting transportation links, specifically linking railways in the western and eastern parts of Thailand to the main north-south rail line. They also suggested improving ports on both sides of southern Thailand. This approach is sufficient for the current investment context. The government listened and considered this a solution for the next 5-10 years. Even without opposition to the land bridge, it would take 3-5 years to complete. However, focusing on improving ports and connecting land transportation, which is currently lacking, can be done immediately. Furthermore, discussions with various countries have received praise for Thailand's readiness in all aspects, including infrastructure.
The Prime Minister asked for confidence, assuring that this government will do everything not just to facilitate, but to provide avenues for investors to reach their goals, maximizing their investment and business expansion. He affirmed that investors have already demonstrated Thailand's competitiveness and that the government will strive to support investors, strengthen their businesses, and expand into global markets. He thanked investors for enhancing Thailand's reputation and stated that the government's duty is to expedite FTA negotiations. Seeing the readiness of investors today has given the FTA negotiating team confidence. They will compromise where possible and find solutions where compromises are not. He concluded that successful negotiations will automatically lead to increased trade value.
"Thais are daring to invest, even to the point of buying factories, not just forming joint ventures. Now we're seeing many nominees, with 'surrogate fathers' appearing. Children are born with Thai citizenship, and at five years old, shares are transferred to them. We will not allow these things to happen in Thailand again. We will try to end this as quickly as possible. Your readiness will be the government's backing. We will all help each other. I will act as the vanguard, spearheading the effort. When expanding businesses and generating revenue for the country, you must be the front line. I urge you to go all out. We must work together without hesitation. Two forces driving together, the public and private sectors, will result in what all Thais want to see, and Thailand will prosper," the Prime Minister said.
Reporters said that 11 business leaders shared a table with the Prime Minister. These included: Ms. Pimjai Leeissaranukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries; Mr. Narongsak Phutthaprommongkol, President of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Viboon Supakrapongkul, Vice President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Supachai Chearavanont, Senior Vice President of Charoen Pokphand Group; Mr. Sarawut Yoovidhya, CEO of TCP Group; Ms. Suphalak Amputch, Chairperson of The Mall Group; Mr. Vikrom Kromadit, CEO of Amata; Mr. Vichai Kulsomphop, CEO and Chairman of Saha Group; Mr. Yothin Damnerncharnvanich, Chairman of 304 Industrial Park; Mr. Chayawut Chantavasu, Senior Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy, PTT; and Ms. Manoonsri Chotitevan, Chairperson of Saha Farms. The Prime Minister took this opportunity to listen to the opinions and suggestions of the Thai private sector to discuss with Mr. Li Qiang, Prime Minister of the People's Republic of China.