Bangkok: The Prime Minister of Thailand, Paethongtarn Shinawatra, opened the doors of Government House to warmly receive a delegation of American businessmen representing over 40 companies. The meeting underscored the continuation and enhancement of economic and investment cooperation, with the Prime Minister emphasizing Thailand's readiness to welcome investment from the U.S. business sector across various domains. According to Thai News Agency, Government Spokesperson Mr. Jirayu Huangsap provided details of the significant meeting, which included Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra and a group of businessmen from the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC). The delegation was led by Mr. Robert Godec, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, and Mr. Brian McFeeters, Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director of the US-ASEAN Business Council. Representatives from over 40 member companies spanning sectors such as energy, healthcare, digital technology, tourism, and creative economy, along with legal and financial advisors, p articipated in discussions focused on strengthening economic ties between Thailand and the United States. U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec highlighted that the discussions with Prime Minister Paethongtarn involved businessmen from sectors with a combined trade value worth billions of dollars. This collaboration is anticipated to bolster investment and generate tens of thousands of jobs in Thailand. Previous meetings between the USABC team and several Thai ministers yielded satisfactory outcomes, further cementing the Thai-US partnership in trade, investment, and cooperation across all levels and dimensions. Mr. Jirayu mentioned that the Prime Minister spoke about his recent visit to Los Angeles, where he engaged with U.S. private companies concerning future industries and the film industry in Thailand. The Thai government is promoting a policy to support a 30% refund for filming in Thailand, which is expected to have a positive impact on the Thai economy. Last year, over 50 American films were produced in Thail and, generating significant income and drawing interest from leading film companies to explore investment opportunities in the country. The Prime Minister also referred to his participation in the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru, where he reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to enhancing connectivity in all dimensions. He also recounted a recent telephone conversation with President-elect Donald J. Trump, who extended his congratulations on Thailand's positive economic developments and growth. During the discussions, the U.S. business sector applauded the Thai government's policies that prioritize the private sector, including efforts to facilitate investment through the Ease of Doing Business initiative, promote a sustainable economy, and embrace digital advancements in trade and investment. The U.S. business community expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Thai government to further strengthen trade and investment relations between the two nations. The Prime Minister concluded by emphas izing the 'Soft Power' policy, aimed at fostering cooperation across all industrial sectors. Thailand seeks to exchange knowledge with U.S. experts to advance expertise in various fields. The Thai government is committed to investing in clean energy and emerging industries such as data centers, semiconductors, and digital technology, demonstrating a willingness to heed advice from the U.S. business sector to sustain economic cooperation between Thailand and the United States.
