Speaking at the JFCCT Prime Minister’s Address Luncheon 2026, hosted by the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT), under the theme “Thailand 2026: A Vision for Competitiveness, Investment, and Future Ready – From Uncertainty to Confidence: Reform and Resilience in Business,” His Excellency Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a close collaboration with the foreign business community through reform in areas related to ease of doing business both for existing investors and new FDI.
In his keynote address, the Prime Minister stated “While we cannot eliminate uncertainty from the world, we can create confidence in how we govern, how we reform, and how we partner with business. This commitment is also reflected in Thailand’s accession process to the OECD which reinforces our determination to strengthen governance, competitiveness and international standards. This is a foundation of Thailand’s vision for the near future.”
The Prime Minister further highlighted the importance of investment in high-value industries, clean energy, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, and future skills. He confirmed the government’s readiness to work with the foreign business community to reduce unnecessary barriers, modernize public services, improve policy implementation, and support both Thai and international businesses in navigating a rapidly changing global economy.
Mrs. Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg, Chairwoman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT), reaffirmed JFCCT’s role as “The Voice of the Foreign Business Community in Thailand for 50 Years,” marking five decades of contribution, partnership, and long-term commitment to Thailand’s economic development.
“JFCCT’s 29 foreign chambers of commerce and 2 business associations in Thailand as members which represent around 8,000 companies that are deeply rooted in Thailand’s economy, bringing foreign connection, capital, knowhow, technology, skills, innovation, job creation, and long-term economic contribution. These companies are not temporary investors, but committed partners whose value is created locally through employment, skills development, productivity, taxes, innovation, and integration into global value chains”
JFCCT’s six focus areas provide a practical reform agenda for Thailand’s next stage of growth: Competitiveness, Digital Government, Building the Future Workforce, Empowerment of SMEs, Holistic and Cohesive Sustainability, and Fast Track Regulatory Reform. The JFCCT policy booklet, which includes six policy briefs linked to the work of JFCCT’s committees and member chambers, is given to the Prime Minister at the event.
“We live in exciting but challenging times. We are privileged to be able to work closely with government, local communities, civil society, industry groups, and academia towards these aims. The time is now to make committed decisions and follow certain pathways. These things necessarily and unavoidably involve reforms. Thus, the only way is through collaboration and our strong sense of community,” Mrs. Leirvåg stated.
Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce: Deepening Investment and Future Industries
Mr. Narongsak Putthapornmongkol, President of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, noted that as regional supply chains become more integrated, Thailand is well positioned as a strategic production, logistics, and investment hub in ASEAN. Stronger investor confidence will depend on regulatory efficiency, infrastructure readiness, skilled workforce development, and a clear policy environment that supports long-term business growth.
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok: Strengthening Thailand’s Gateway to Global Finance and Trade
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok (HKETO) emphasized Hong Kong’s world-class financial services in supporting Thai businesses to excel in the international market. As a top innovation and technology centre with close collaboration with the Shenzhen- Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster, Hong Kong offers an unmatched gateway to the world-leading tech ecosystem. Its professional service providers are also ready to offer professional advice to Thai companies.
“Hong Kong is a trusted and reliable partner for Thailand’s future-ready journey. Our strengths in financial services, innovation and professional services can perfectly combine with Thailand’s robust manufacturing capabilities and globally recognised soft power to create tremendous synergy,” HKETO stated.
UOB Thailand: Connecting Capital, Confidence and ASEAN Growth
Mr. Richard Maloney, President and CEO of UOB Thailand, emphasized the role of international banking in strengthening Thailand’s investment ecosystem and connecting businesses to regional opportunities. “As an ASEAN-focused bank with a strong regional network, UOB sees Thailand as a strategic gateway for international investors and businesses expanding across the region”
As Thailand prepares for 2026, the message from the luncheon was clear: confidence will be the country’s most important economic currency. “Thailand has the fundamentals to lead, but the road ahead requires decisive reform, consistent execution, and deeper collaboration between government and business. If Thailand can translate reform into action, it can strengthen its position as one of ASEAN’s most resilient, competitive, and future-ready economies,” said JFCCT Chairwoman Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag.
