Amid a rapidly changing world, Thailand's economic growth has slowed, presenting a major national challenge that requires both public and private sectors to discuss what steps are necessary for the country to keep pace globally and achieve sustainable stability.
Thairath Money summarizes the perspectives of key economic leaders—including Prime Minister Anutin Charnveerakul, the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand, and the Joint Private Sector Committee from the three institutions—at The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 under the theme “Reinvent Thailand, Resilient ASEAN.” This event outlined Thailand's transformation and strengthening towards reforming ASEAN's economic structure.
Anutin Charnveerakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. He painted a broad picture of the main currents affecting the global economy, including Thailand, highlighting four key areas.
1. Geopolitics: Geographic risks create uncertainty and may alter the global landscape. In this context, Thailand must accelerate adaptation and find ways to enhance competitive flexibility. Crucially, deeper global integration is needed to build economic alliances and networks that improve competitiveness.
2. AI Technology: AI drives changes across many areas. The challenge for Thailand is not only to be a technology user but also to attract new investments that generate knowledge and help boost businesses, including reaching the SME level.
3. Climate Change: Viewing this only as a cost or challenge is insufficient. It must be applied across all business sectors and enable real growth within each industry.
4. Aging Society: As lifespans increase, this becomes an opportunity for Thailand to develop the Longevity Economy, including healthcare, service industries, and related businesses.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Thailand must connect these trends to foster new industries. With strong infrastructure in many areas, Thailand is ready to be more than a production base or distribution market; it aims to be a future-oriented business partner.
Additionally, Thailand's hosting of the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings in October 2026 is not just about organizing the event but also an opportunity to present Thailand’s strengths and ideas widely, paving the way for future development.
After the Prime Minister outlined the big picture, the next step was addressed. Dr. Akniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. He said that the four main challenges mentioned by the Prime Minister reflect that borders may no longer matter, as impacts can occur at multiple levels. Therefore, both public and private sectors must enhance cooperation and knowledge.
Beyond Thailand's traditional strength as a hub linking ASEAN, efforts must continue to position Thailand as a connector to ASEAN and the world across multiple dimensions—including clean energy cooperation, technology, payment system infrastructure, healthcare, and more. The government is actively advancing ASEAN partnerships.
For example, in energy, the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) collaboration helps secure regional energy stability. Regarding the aging society trend, Thailand’s strengths in medical and service sectors could foster cooperation with Singapore in medical tourism. Combining these advantages can create a trustworthy network and drive global growth. Such regional cooperation will prepare Thailand for emerging challenges.
Phayong Sriwanich, Co-Chairman of the Joint Private Sector Committee (JPSC). He stated that amid global changes, uncertainties, and AI’s growing role across sectors, Thailand must clearly identify development priorities to effectively advance the country. Simultaneously, the government must support small businesses to grow into large companies. Strong business growth will sustain economic and related sector development.
A critical factor is cooperation with ASEAN to connect networks across investment, technology, and business opportunities to expand Thai enterprises.
Thailand’s current challenge is not just growth but creating competitive growth in a rapidly changing world. Thailand must reinvent itself by shifting from cost competition to innovation-driven potential. This summit linked government vision, World Bank research, and private sector operations to present strategies to global investors, positioning Thailand as a gateway to ASEAN’s growth network.
Vithai Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand. He explained that Thailand has faced various impacts recently while economic growth has slowed. Thus, the country must do more than respond to these impacts; it must find ways to regain stable footing.
At the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings, the Bank of Thailand plans to discuss New Horizons to strengthen individuals, society, and the nation, creating economic stability and foundations.
The Bank focuses on Digital and AI Transformation to foster resilient growth. Thailand has advanced notable financial infrastructure such as the PromptPay system, currently with over 83.30 million accounts, 2.51 billion transactions, and transaction values exceeding 4.39 trillion baht.
Simultaneously, the Bank aims to enhance security standards to address financial threats. Measures have been introduced to regulate and reduce fraud impacts continuously. Additionally, to combat money laundering, actions include suspicious transaction reporting and setting limits on gold trading.
These ongoing initiatives will not conclude at the meeting but will build partnerships and cooperation to help Thailand’s financial sector, businesses, and economy move forward sustainably.
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