Amid Thailand's economy still facing the challenge of low growth, while the world rapidly changes due to geopolitical conflicts, trade wars, AI technology, natural disasters, and supply chain shifts, the key question is not only how businesses will cope but also what Thailand must invest in to build a new engine of growth.
This question was raised at the important forum The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 during the session Business Building the Future: Winning in Turbulence, which gathered perspectives from leaders of major Thai businesses including CP Group, Kasikornbank, B.Grimm, and Indorama Ventures.
The picture emerging from the forum shows that the volatile world is forcing Thailand to make new investment decisions across infrastructure, agriculture, technology, financial systems, and human development because if Thailand wants to escape the low-growth trap, these investments must be interconnected as a system.
Supachai Chearavanont, Senior Vice Chairman of CP Group, sees that although doing business today faces numerous challenges—geopolitical tensions, the rise of AI, and domestic constraints from low economic growth—Thailand still possesses strengths that can be developed into opportunities.
One of these is agriculture and food, where Thailand benefits from its geographical location and food security. He cited “durian” as a key export product generating a market worth billions of US dollars, with further potential to develop processed foods, frozen foods, and many related value chain businesses.
The crucial question is understanding what the region needs and how Thailand can invest to enhance production capabilities accordingly.
Supachai believes investment in agricultural infrastructure, such as irrigation systems alongside technologies like Smart Farming and AI, will increase productivity, strengthen agricultural security, and benefit small businesses, employment, and industries within the same supply chain.
Another parallel focus must be digital infrastructure because AI can only reach its full potential if the country has adequate digital foundations. This transition should not happen in isolation; for economic impact at the national level, both public and private sectors must move in unison.
Supachai also places great emphasis on investing in human resources, particularly through education reform, talent development, and attracting foreign specialists to elevate Thailand as a hub for technology and innovation, including AI, robotics, materials science, business intelligence, and medical fields.
From his perspective, technology progress requires “people” to support it, and if Thailand builds a system that enables talented individuals to realize their potential while welcoming foreign talent, it has a chance to rise as a new hub in the region.
Environmental issues should not be viewed separately from the economy since increasingly severe disasters are becoming a direct economic cost. Investment in prevention and response to environmental problems is thus part of sustainable investment.
“Thailand is geographically fortunate; we connect China, India, and South Asia. With proper investment, we can boost economic growth, and the key is investment in human resources.”
When asked about game-changing factors for Thailand, Supachai pointed to AI, viewing that applying AI to enhance government and business efficiency could have widespread impact.
While Supachai focuses on economic structure, Kattiya Indaravijaya, CEO of Kasikornbank, looks from another angle, saying that to turn opportunities into reality requires a financial system that supports targeted investments.
She points out that according to World Bank reports, Thailand has opportunities to develop multiple future industries, but building new industries cannot rely solely on funding. The financial sector must understand which business groups have long-term potential and support them with capital, market access, technology, and global supply chain connectivity. Banks must shift from waiting for loan applications to actively keeping pace with customer and industry changes.
“Capital must be allocated precisely to areas that generate long-term growth for the country.”
Another condition she sees as critical to national competitiveness is openness to increase competition at the country level.
While many businesses face uncertainty, Dr. Harald Link, Chairman and CEO of B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited, views the situation positively. Based on B.Grimm’s long experience in Thailand, he believes the world has passed many crises, and the current situation is no reason for business to stop moving forward.
For Thailand, strengths include the business environment, international relationships, and the ability to partner with many parties. He sees AI as an opportunity for learning and innovation, just as businesses must create environments that attract young workers and foster collaboration between companies and partners.
“I think we are at the best moment because we have overcome many crises, and now the world is opening new opportunities for us.”
He emphasized B.Grimm’s philosophy from operating in Thailand for 150 years: “We have never given up; we keep learning.” This suggests that what Thai businesses need now is positive thinking, courage, and good partnerships.
Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, drawing from his company’s continuous global market expansion, believes every crisis hides opportunities.
Currently, challenges include not only US tariffs and trade wars but also global overcapacity in many industries.
The solution must return to business adaptation, building new capabilities, and seeking cross-industry collaboration. He thinks Thai businesses should not limit themselves to the domestic market because Thailand can be a strong base for going global. At the same time, attracting foreign companies to invest in Thailand is another way to create economic opportunities.
Ultimately, the decisive factor for whether Thailand can seize these opportunities is “people.” If Thailand develops and manages talent well, it will enhance its ability to attract investment and elevate its position in the global business chain. For Thai businesses, he says it is time to gather courage and pursue markets where customers are waiting.
“Thailand is a strong base for going global. Businesspeople must muster the courage to enter markets where customers await.”
Although the four executives come from different industries, the common message from the Business Building the Future: Winning in Turbulence forum is that Thailand’s economy cannot wait for global stability before growing.
Thailand has advantages in geography, manufacturing base, food, medical sectors, international relations, and private sector potential, but these must be converted into value-adding investments to create a new economic engine as the old one struggles to grow.
If Thailand wants to break out of the middle-income trap, investments cannot be judged solely by short-term returns. What must be built simultaneously is the competitiveness of people, businesses, and the country. Ultimately, volatility may be uncontrollable, but Thailand can choose whether to passively endure change or use this moment to invest and create a new position in the economy.
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