BANGKOK — 16 July 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul left for China on Thursday seeking to attract investment from major artificial intelligence and technology companies, with talks also planned on trade, investment, security and transnational crime.
Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, is visiting China from 16–20 July to attend the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai and open a new Board of Investment office in Chengdu.
The Chinese government has also invited him to make an official visit to Beijing, where he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Anutin said the two leaders would also meet at several upcoming international events, including the ASEAN Summit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
“AI is an important issue that the government supports,” Anutin said at Government House before departing. “We will look at how Thailand can cooperate with the international community.”
He said the Shanghai conference would provide an opportunity to address the gathering and meet executives from major AI and technology companies.
The government would explore whether those companies could use Thailand as a base for data centres, manufacturing or other technology-related operations, he added.
Anutin said Chinese President Xi Jinping was scheduled to meet him and his delegation in Shanghai on 17 July.
He described the meeting as an opportunity to follow up on discussions held over the past year, including during His Majesty the King’s visit to China.
“We will ask China to continue supporting Thailand in trade, investment, security and efforts to combat those who break the law,” Anutin said.
Asked to provide examples of the security issues expected to be discussed, Anutin declined, saying such matters should remain part of bilateral talks.
When asked whether the public could expect concrete progress, Anutin said cooperation had continued to advance.
“China is a great friend that has always supported Thailand, whether we ask or not,” he said.
Anutin added that the talks would cover several sensitive issues, including security, corruption, transnational crime and trade.
