Ms. Supachai Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce, participated in the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) held from 19 to 23 January 2026. This year's meeting was themed "A Spirit of Dialogue," aimed at promoting constructive exchange and international cooperation to address global economic challenges amid geopolitical tensions and structural shifts in the world economy. Approximately 2,800 participants from government, private sector, and international organizations worldwide attended, reflecting the growing role of the private sector in shaping global economic and trade policies.
On 20 January 2026, Ms. Supachai took part as a speaker in a closed session discussion titled “Recoding Trade” at Kurpark Village, Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. This first session allowed ministerial representatives, senior private sector executives, and international organization officials to openly exchange views on updating trade rules and infrastructure to align with technological changes, particularly digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), cross-border data flow, and building resilient and sustainable supply chains. The discussion also covered the digital economy and sustainable development goals, with participants including trade ministers from Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, as well as executives from the World Customs Organization and OECD.
During the discussion, the Minister of Commerce was tasked with presenting ASEAN’s role in developing a balanced, open, and flexible interoperable trade and data framework that enhances competitiveness. This was in light of Thailand’s chairmanship of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), the world's first regional digital economy cooperation framework, reflecting ASEAN’s proactive response to digital technology and innovation reshaping global trade significantly.
The Minister outlined that DEFA will serve as a key foundation for promoting digital trade and investment, fostering inclusiveness and reducing economic disparities, alongside strengthening digital governance. Progress toward digitalization in various areas will support SMEs and encourage sustainable, environmentally friendly development. ASEAN is ready to extend DEFA’s connectivity to other countries and regions in the future.
Ms. Supachai shared with the forum that leading the DEFA negotiations since 2023 has allowed Thailand to recognize ASEAN’s potential, as a developing region, to establish a modern trade and data system suited to its context. The focus is on enhancing supply chain resilience, enabling interoperable digital systems, balancing personal data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity, and designing rules that facilitate SME access and utilization.
Furthermore, ASEAN’s digital framework will boost regional competitiveness through developing common digital standards, promoting innovation, digital skill development, and supporting SMEs with digital technologies while protecting consumers, reducing trade costs, and strengthening both public and private sectors. It also links the digital economy to sustainability and the green economy. The Minister emphasized that "recoding" the global trade system is not merely about updating rules but about building an open, inclusive, flexible, and sustainable trade system. Thailand is ready to collaborate with international partners to advance a trade system that fosters development, innovation, and shared long-term growth.
The Minister of Commerce is scheduled to meet with trade ministers from countries such as Canada, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates, and participate in various discussions throughout the World Economic Forum in Davos. These activities support Thailand’s significant role on the international stage, working alongside Team Thailand, which includes Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Dr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
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