(AseanAll) — Thai Government Spokesperson Ekkapob Pienpises disclosed about the missions of Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul that upon his arrival in the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister met with the United Kingdom Trade Envoy Matt Western MP, and representatives from UK leading private firms, namely, Virgin Atlantic Airways and Rolls‑Royce, as well as other leading institutional investors.
The meeting was organized by the Stock Exchange of Thailand in collaboration with UBS. The Prime Minister also delivered a keynote address at a reception attended by more than 50 representatives from both UK’s public and private sectors.
Last year marked the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, celebrated by close ties at both the royal, governmental, and people‑to‑people levels. Both Thailand and UK also share common values, which includes commitment to the principles of multilateral trade, free trade, and adherence to international norms and rules.
The Prime Minister highlighted Thailand’s investment opportunities and potential as foreign direct investment in Thailand has increased by 37% last year. The Government is pursuing the establishment of free trade agreements with various countries, and advancing Thailand’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD), which will help strengthen the country’s business environment.
On investment, several Thai private‑sector companies have invested in the United Kingdom, while the UK remains a major investor in the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Virgin Atlantic Airways has launched a direct flight route from London to Phuket, and expanded cooperation with Bangkok Airways and the Tourism Authority of Thailand which increases opportunities in attracting tourists to Thailand. Rolls‑Royce executives expressed appreciation to the Government for promoting investment and technological cooperation to add more value to Thailand’s aviation industry. The Prime Minister emphasized that investing in Thailand is equivalent to investing in ASEAN, a region of more than 700 million people with high growth potential.
Thailand’s energy security remains stable, with the Government policies to promote alternative energy sources, such as, wind and solar power. The feasibility study of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) has also been conducted. The Government supports the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy in both industry and households, with mechanisms allowing surplus electricity to be sold back to the state.
The Government also promotes future industries as part of its policy to drive economic growth, i.e., artificial intelligence and healthcare. A National Data Center Business Policy Committee has been established to regulate and oversee investments in data centers. The Government also prioritizes investment in human capital, with the Student Loan Fund offering low‑interest loans to people’s ensure greater access to education, thereby, fostering a workforce with higher skills to meet the needs of future industries.
The Prime Minister invited investors, private‑sector representatives, and leading companies to expand their trade and investment as current levels of Thailand - UK trade and investment remain modest compared with the potential of both countries. He also encouraged UK financial institutions to consider investing in the Thai capital market, other assets, and direct investment.
According to the Prime Minister, one of Thailand’s key advantages is a stable Government that ensures policy continuity and enables strategic policymaking, such as, the serious crackdown on online scams and cyber threats. Additionally, several credit rating agencies have recently revised Thailand’s outlook to “Stable/Positive,” which underscore the country’s strong economic prospects.
