Bangkok:A government spokesperson has highlighted positive signals from the IMF and World Bank, suggesting that Thailand is poised to benefit from advancements in AI technology within trade and investment sectors.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ekkapop Pienpises, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, provided insights from the IMF-World Bank Group 2026 meeting held in Bangkok. On the meeting's fourth day, discussions shifted towards Thailand's emerging role in new economic chains, with a focus on leveraging AI to boost the country's trade and investment opportunities.
Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, identified Thailand as a key beneficiary of AI trends in technology supply chains, alongside nations such as the United States, China, India, and South Korea. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanpraphas, outlined Thailand's strategy for addressing economic challenges, including high energy prices and supply chain shifts, while emphasizing the importance of attracting new investments and maintaining stability.
Mr. Ekkapop noted that the conference highlighted a global transition from selecting production bases purely on cost to prioritizing reliable trading partnerships. EU representatives cited Thailand as a proactive country in accelerating trade agreements to broaden market access.
The government sees this as an opportunity to enhance Thailand's competitiveness through stable regulations, robust infrastructure, and a skilled workforce capable of connecting with diverse economic sectors. A significant challenge ahead is transforming investments into tangible benefits for the Thai population, including upskilling the workforce and integrating local businesses into global supply chains.
The discussions underscored the importance of fiscal stability and proactive crisis management. The Thai government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, aims to convert these emerging opportunities into sustainable economic growth and security for its citizens.