Prime Minister Prayut
Chan-o-cha stated that the Government has continued to welcome more foreign
investment, while it is encouraging Thai investors to invest more overseas.
The Prime Minister, in his national address, said that Thailand’s ranking in
the list of favorable countries for investment has improved.
He said that the Board of Investment (BOI) had recently approved more than 100
investment projects; most of them were foreign direct investments. Thai
companies have been urged to invest overseas, as well, especially in
neighboring countries. The Government is ready to support the
“Thailand-Plus-One” concept in order to drive the Thai economy and the economies
of neighboring countries. It has approved incentives for Thais investing in
neighboring countries in order to help strengthen the ASEAN region as a whole.
He called on Thai investors wishing to invest in foreign countries to register
with BOI, which would link them with various countries that might want the
businesses in which they were planning to invest.
The Prime Minister recently met representatives of 34 American firms from the
US-ASEAN Business Council. He told them that the Thai government was ready to
promote foreign businesses and investments. According to the Prime Minister, American
investors are interested in investing in energy and infrastructure
development,information technology, and medical tourism. They wanted Thailand
to serve as a hub for several industries. Further discussions will be held on
this issue to ensure sustainability and generate employment for Thai people.
American investors also expressed interest in working with Thailand on the
digital economy.
He pointed out that the United States, European countries, and other ASEAN
partners wished to work with Thailand and planned to invest here. Therefore,
Thailand needs to foster their confidence.
In the meantime, the Thai government has instructed the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs to establish AEC Business Support Centers in many places
overseas, such as the Thai embassies in Myanmar and Cambodia. These centers
will serve as forums where Thais and foreigners will be able to discuss their
potential joint business operations.
In addition, 96 Thai embassies and consulates worldwide are planning to set up
the “Thai Corner” to make Thailand better known and to exhibit Thai products,
under the “One Tambon, One Product” (OTOP), program, as well as products of the
SUPPORT Foundation, under the royal patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
The Thai Corner will also provide information about Thai culture, tourist
attractions, and trade and investment opportunities in Thailand.
(thailand.prd.go.th)