Gyeongju: The Prime Minister discussed with the US business sector the US-APEC Business Coalition. Prime Minister Anutin met with the US-APEC Business Coalition to discuss the expansion of US technology companies’ investments in Thailand, particularly data center projects, which will help elevate the country’s digital economy. Meanwhile, representatives of the US business sector praised the “Half-Half Plus” project, which promotes digital payments.
According to Thai News Agency, today at 10:10 a.m. (Gyeongju local time), Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, held discussions with representatives of US business groups, members of the US-APEC Business Coalition, along with participants from various US private sector companies, including Amazon, Boeing, Citi, Coupang, Johnson and Johnson, Mastercard, Merck, Moody’s, Paypal, and Organon, among others.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the US-APEC Business Coalition for organizing the meeting, highlighting the opportunity to strengthen economic ties with the United States. He acknowledged the significant role of the US private sector in fostering economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region and Thailand.
The Prime Minister mentioned his previous engagements with US President Donald Trump during the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia. Key topics included the Thailand-Cambodia peace treaty and a joint statement on the Framework for a United States-Thailand Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. At a recent dinner, the Prime Minister addressed concerns about US reciprocal tariffs on Thailand, with President Trump committing to a dialogue on the matter, signaling potential advancements in trade and investment.
The Prime Minister also highlighted recent discussions with the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM) and the upcoming visit of a US-ASEAN Business Council delegation to Thailand to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Amidst global economic uncertainties, Thailand remains committed to the rules-based multilateral trading system, engaging with frameworks such as APEC and ASEAN to establish a stable economic environment. The Prime Minister emphasized ongoing negotiations with the US concerning tariffs.
The government’s policy focuses on building a strong economic foundation through proactive measures and initiatives like the “Quick Big Win” concept to stimulate the economy, tourism, and investment. Efforts include expanding free trade agreements, streamlining regulations, and enhancing infrastructure in logistics, digital finance, and energy. Human capital development is also prioritized, with a goal of producing 280,000 skilled workers by 2028, alongside collaborations with US institutions in sectors such as semiconductors.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance of Thailand-US economic cooperation, noting the US as Thailand’s primary export market and a significant trading partner. In 2024, US technology companies led foreign investments in Thailand, with the total reaching US$34 billion. Thai investments in the US also grew, totaling US$17 billion.
Thailand invites US technology companies like Amazon Web Services, Google, and Microsoft to expand their investments in data centers, cloud systems, and industries such as semiconductors, electronics, and automotive parts, leveraging advanced US technology.
In conclusion, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the US-APEC Business Coalition for their cooperation, confident that the discussions would enhance Thailand-US economic cooperation. US business representatives praised Thailand’s economic policies and development projects, expressing readiness to expand investments in digital payment initiatives, especially in tourism.
After the discussion, a group photo was taken with US private sector representatives, fostering a cheerful atmosphere. The Prime Minister playfully invited everyone to do a mini-heart pose, prompting a light-hearted exchange with a US representative, referencing “Korean style.”