THAIRATH FORUM 2026: "Arthit Nantawithaya" SCBX CEO Arthit Nantawithaya shared his view on cooperation between Thailand and ASEAN countries to address global investment trends, highlighting the need for strategic energy planning to support new technology investments.
On 31 Aug 2026, Thairath Group organized an important forum. "THAIRATH FORUM 2026: THAILAND IN THE NEW GLOBAL ORDER" The event gathered national leaders from government and business sectors to exchange strategic visions under the theme "Transforming Thailand's Economic Strategy" for survival and growth amid the new global order, hosted by Supajon Klinsuwan.
Attendees heard insights from Professor Emeritus Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, President of Chulalongkorn University Council and former Deputy Prime Minister, along with three leading private sector figures managing multibillion-dollar global portfolios: Arthit Nantawithaya, CEO of SCB X Public Company Limited; Prasith Boondoungprasert, Director, Executive Vice Chairman, and CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group; and Aloke Lohia, Vice Chairman and CEO of Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited.
The forum's discussion topic was "The New Global Order: Impact and Opportunities Amongst Superpowers’ Struggle" New global order: shocks and opportunities amid superpower conflicts in a volatile world arena.
The discussion focused on new strategic moves and global portfolio management when facing worldwide turbulence and high uncertainty, especially unpredictable U.S. policies under Donald Trump, China's competition, and numerous trade barriers from Europe.
Asked from SCBX’s perspective amid volatile geopolitics, global supply chain shifts, and investment flows, how can ASEAN’s diverse member countries strengthen cooperation to build an interconnected economic ecosystem and become a new global growth center? How can Thailand leverage its strengths to grow alongside the rise of ASEAN?
Arthit Nantawithaya, CEO of SCB X Public Company Limited, said that over the past 1-2 years, investment inflows into Thailand have significantly increased compared to previous years, partly due to geopolitical factors and points raised earlier by Professor Surakiart. This has driven investment relocation alongside the rise of large-scale technologies such as AI and data centers, which are entering ASEAN countries.
These large technology investments are closely linked to energy demand. Thailand has advantages in geolocation, scale, and energy potential. However, the scale of tech investment is so large that Thailand must consider its position and cooperate with neighboring countries to strategically plan energy resources, making energy an attractive factor to support incoming new investments.
The forum was broadcast live on Facebook: Thairath TV, Thairath - Thairath Online, and YouTube channel Thairath News from 18:00 to 20:30.