Bangkok, July 22(AseanAll) — On July 22, 2026, at the IMPACT Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi, Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul presided over and delivered a keynote address at the opening of the Thailand–China Cooperation Expo 2026.
The Prime Minister first expressed appreciation to the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of People’s Republic of China in Thailand, who had helped clarify concerns regarding the appropriateness of the Prime Minister’s singing Tian Mi Mi. He also emphasized the significance of this event, which is taking place at a critical time when the world is facing multifaceted challenges. This situation presses all nations to review their strategies and define cooperation directions with friendly countries to leverage maximum benefits for their nations and people. Thailand and China share a strong and longstanding relations, especially people-to-people ties, which enables the two countries to further strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit in a stable manner.
The Prime Minister mentioned that last year marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. However, the bond between Thailand and China can be traced back for thousands of years and has continued on the basis of understanding, trust, and mutual support. This friendship has been passed down from generation to generation and is now ready to advance into new dimensions of deeper cooperation.
Amid the global economic challenges, Thailand sees the necessity to strengthen cooperation with China, a country with strong capabilities in research, development, and advanced technology, in a bid to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness, create new economic opportunities, and increase potential of the Thai industrial sector in the long run.
In his first official visit to China as the Prime Minister of Thailand, the Prime Minister had the opportunities to meet with Chinese leaders and top business executives who expressed confidence in Thailand’s economic potential and readiness to expand investment in the country. The Thai Government welcomes investment from Chinese private enterprises, as it not only brings in capital and employment but also knowledge, technology, and innovation, which have greatly contributed to the development of Thai workforce skills and strengthened domestic supply chains. He reaffirmed that Thailand remains open to foreign investments that generate mutual benefits for both investors and the Thai people. At the same time, Thai entrepreneurs have continued to expand their investments and build business networks in China as well.
The Prime Minister also underscored Thailand’s potential to accommodate investment, particularly in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which is equipped with infrastructure to support future industries and attract substantial investment. This, in turn, generates employment, income, and long‑term economic growth. He affirmed that the Government will continue to develop investment infrastructure and ecosystem to accommodate investors from all over the world.
The Thai Government is fully committed to supporting trade and investment partnerships. Relevant Government agencies, especially the Board of Investment (BOI), are ready to streamline investment processes through the Thailand FastPass program, which shortens approval times for large investment projects. This ensures that investments proceed in a quick, transparent, and efficient manner. The Prime Minister has instructed all agencies to eliminate red tape and graft, which are major hindrances to economic development. Government officials are also ordered to serve as facilitators and actively work and coordinate with all sectors.
On security, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that Thailand is stable and fully prepared to safeguard national security, both in terms of internal stability and protection of its people, investors, and foreign residents conducting business in the country. He assured that the Government has the capacity to handle any situation that may arise. Security agencies, administrative authorities, and the Royal Thai Police will integrate their efforts to enforce the law, maintain public order, and fully facilitate business operators. Investors are, therefore, encouraged to have confidence and move forward with investments in Thailand without concern over security or political stability.
With his extensive experience in Government administration which has provided him with a deep understanding of the needs of the business sector, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that all Government agencies would work together to provide facilitation and prompt resolutions to various issues, so that business operations and investments can proceed smoothly.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that, although the global economy continues to face uncertainty, Thailand can transform challenges into opportunities if it continues to be internally strengthened and to advance cooperation with such key partners as China. This will also foster sustainable growth and improve quality of life of the people. The Thailand–China Cooperation Expo 2026 will serve as an important platform to connect entrepreneurs, build business networks, promote technology exchange, and build upon cooperation from the national to the local levels, which will ultimately lead to shared prosperity for both Thailand and China in the future.
“Thailand–China Cooperation Expo 2026” will be held from July 22–25, 2026 under the theme “Investing the Future, Growing Together.” It serves as a strategic platform to promote trade, investment, and sustainable supply chain management innovation between Thailand, China, and the ASEAN region, while also providing an important opportunity to build business networks, exchange knowledge, and expand trade and investment opportunities.
