Bangkok: Ekanit Chueap addressed the Bangkok Business Summit 2026, focusing on the new horizon driving growth in the ASEAN region. The summit, held under the theme 'Reinvent Thailand, Resilient ASEAN,' emphasized the importance of collaboration with the private sector in strategizing the elevation of Thailand and fostering growth within ASEAN.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, highlighted that the public and private sectors are aligned in making Thailand a central force of new growth in ASEAN, aiming to integrate the region with the global economy. This alignment involves a collaborative approach to problem-solving, solution design, implementation, and result monitoring, thus creating a platform for ongoing cooperation. The summit underscored that building resilience and exploring new horizons are closely linked, with resilience enabling adaptation and progress, while new horizons guide investment and growth directions. The transformation of proposals into action is set to occur on three levels: globally, by leveraging the summit outcomes to host the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026; business-to-business, through connecting producers and suppliers, joint investment, and technology transfer; and government-to-business, to collaboratively solve issues and effectuate propo sals.
At the national level, the Joint Public-Private Sector Committee (JPP) will drive progress through four pillars: investment and new economic engines, trade and community economy, human development, and public sector efficiency enhancement. The JPP plans to compile insights and lessons from the summit into a White Paper, serving as a framework for further public-private collaboration and to be presented at the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026 under the theme "Thailand's New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience."
Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, Vice President of the World Bank for East Asia and the Pacific, announced that Bangkok will host major global meetings next month, providing Thailand an opportunity to demonstrate its potential to become a high-income country by 2037. The World Bank has proposed a reform agenda focusing on the private sector as the main engine for investment, technology, and job creation. Success hinges on the commitment to implementing the plan and collaborative monitoring by government and private sectors, with mechanisms for OECD membership, which the World Bank supports.
Mr. Payong Srivanich, Chairman of the JSCCIB, defined "Reinventing Thailand" as enhancing the economic base through world-class knowledge, unified private sector participation, and consistent government policies. Thailand must develop a robust ecosystem, including energy infrastructure for a low-carbon economy and digital infrastructure, to transform investments into growth engines and achieve resilient and inclusive growth.
Dr. Poj Aramwattananon, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that industries must prepare for geopolitical conflicts, trade measures, and environmental conditions. Thailand should accelerate trade negotiations and collaborate with ASEAN governments to build a regional value chain, which aligns with Thailand's goal of joining the OECD by 2028, enhancing transparency and reducing business costs.
Ms. Pimjai Leeissaranukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries, pointed out that Thailand's longstanding industrial base positions it well for transitioning to Intelligent Industry and increasing its role in the Global Supply Chain. This transition requires stable energy resources, regulatory reform, and human capital development. The JSCCIB plans to integrate the summit's White Paper with government efforts through the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, further developing proposals at international forums, using the summit as a launchpad for collaborative action.