The Ministry of Commerce, via the Department of Foreign Trade, organized a major seminar titled “Mission to Win for The Game Changer: A Mission to Conquer, Quickly Adapt, and Gain an Edge in Global Trade” to prepare and enhance the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs to compete on the global trade stage.
Ms. Supachai Sutthampan, Minister of Commerce, presided over the seminar's opening and delivered the keynote address. The event was titled “Mission to Win for The Game Changer: A Mission to Conquer, Quickly Adapt, and Gain an Edge in Global Trade.” It was held at the LUMPHINI GRAND HALL, 10th floor, Grand Centre Point Hotel Lumpini, Bangkok, with over 500 attendees.
Ms. Supachai stated that the global economy is facing significant changes and high uncertainty, while Thailand’s economic growth last year remained below 2%, lagging behind regional neighbors. This has affected the country's competitiveness. Exports, a key engine of Thailand's economy, grew strongly last year due to accelerated shipments to the United States amid concerns over reciprocal tariff measures. However, this year, export growth may slow, risking stagnation or contraction.
The Minister of Commerce noted that foreign investment promotion through the Board of Investment (BOI) currently amounts to 1.3 trillion baht, with foreign direct investment (FDI) reaching 980 billion baht. The government aims to drive actual investments within this year to at least 480 billion baht, relying on public-private cooperation due to limited government budgets. The government is committed to expediting licensing procedures (fast pass) and regulations to convert promotion applications into tangible investments.
Ms. Supachai added that the global trade context has shifted from a bipolar to a multipolar world filled with conflicts and intense competition, requiring Thailand to carefully position itself. The world views “Asia as an opportunity.” Thailand is among the countries that international partners seek to strengthen collaboration with.
Regionally, Thailand must firmly integrate with ASEAN, leveraging market size and population as bargaining power, while using its geographical advantage as the regional hub. Additionally, Thailand's role as chair of ASEAN’s digital economy negotiations aims to advance the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), targeting to double ASEAN’s digital era trade, investment, and economic connectivity from 1 trillion to 2 trillion US dollars by 2030.
The Minister of Commerce emphasized the necessity of adopting technologies, especially AI, to develop workforce skills (upskilling and reskilling) and enhance business capabilities, stating that “AI will not replace people, but importantly, those who use AI will replace those who do not.”
The Ministry’s key policies will focus on six main areas:
1. Expanding new markets and fully utilizing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
2. Accelerating the conclusion of FTA negotiations and modernizing the existing 14 FTAs.
3. Protecting domestic industries from unfair trade through trade measures.
4. Collaborating to counteract investigations.
5. Safeguarding Thai industry benefits by using Thai local content.
6. Closing gaps from import surges and upgrading product standards.
The ministry also prioritizes cracking down on disguised businesses and nominees by using AI linked with relevant agencies, and creating a transparent and fair business ecosystem.
Furthermore, the Ministry supports sustainable trade and a green economy by promoting clean energy use, developing green industries, and fostering trade cooperation within supply chains focused on mutual benefits.
“In the new era of trade, it’s not enough to focus on a single point; we must see the network as a whole, becoming a valuable piece in the global supply chain. If we achieve this, Thailand will not just follow but help shape the global trade game,” Ms. Supachai said.
The event also featured a panel discussion titled " Thai Trade Strategy in a Changing World: Turning Crisis into Opportunity to Win the Global Trade Battlefield" " with speakers including Ms. Arada Fuengthong, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade; Dr. Chanin Chalisarapong, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Kitti Tangjitramanesak, Vice Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries; and Dr. Pipat Luangnaruemitchai, Chief Economist at Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP).
The afternoon session offered a technical seminar, “The Game Changer: Equipping Technical Skills to Navigate Trade Measures and Turn Regulations into Competitive Advantages,” featuring experts on trade remedy measures and import-export regulations from the United States and India, along with consultation clinics provided by specialists from the Department of Foreign Trade for entrepreneurs.
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