Supachai presented her vision to conclude the Bhumjaithai Party event, pushing the 'Wings for SME' policy. She highlighted using Thai agricultural products to negotiate the purchase of Gripen fighter jets, frigate warships, and commercial aircraft, while aiming to position Thailand as a halal hub in Asia.
On 24 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Supachai Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce, delivered her vision as the final speaker at the Bhumjaithai Party's 2026 election campaign policy announcement. She began by asking, “It’s past noon now; are you hungry? A little hunger is good—it encourages going to eat and raises rice prices. Currently, white paddy rice is priced over 8,000 baht, and our jasmine rice reaches 18,000 baht. All these achievements came not from spending money but from integrating and finding market channels to meet goals that increase agricultural product output and prices.” She then urged remembering the term “Trade Plus,” despite previously hearing many different trade terms.
Supachai continued, saying that trade today is surrounded by many geopolitical factors. The world is divided into poles, sides, and multiple camps—it’s a multipolar world. Therefore, Thailand must position itself just right, not leaning too far one way. If Thailand excels and offers enough value on any side, all countries will want to trade with it.
Regarding geopolitics and Thailand’s economic geography, she said collaboration is essential for trade—it requires cooperation and integration. Earlier, Ekniti mentioned that budget aid to support vulnerable groups, the elderly, communities, SMEs, and entrepreneurs comes from the spending side, with the Ministry of Finance as spender. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce is the revenue generator. She urged everyone to help bring money into the country.
Supachai discussed economic figures: agriculture contributes 6% of GDP, industry 25%, and services 66%. Although 30% of the workforce is in agriculture, it only generates 6% income, so productivity must increase. Industry’s share is declining, so new industries must be sought to boost the economy. Services, at 66%, need higher value through high-value services. She emphasized that staying stagnant isn’t an option; Thailand must change as the world changes.
On trade, she divided it into four groups, focusing first on global trade integration. Today’s world requires addressing supply chains beyond just selling products to selling raw materials and inputs for further processing. The entire system must be considered. Many countries have different trade surpluses, so Thailand must analyze how its exports help partners add value and re-export. This is the first 'plus': embedding Thailand within supply chains, turning trade partners into allies and partners.
Regarding services, which account for 66%, she said when selling agricultural or consumer goods, accompanying services are necessary. Thailand has many high-value services like medical and content business services. To increase service value, a shift in mindset is needed.
For countries with differing tariff rates, like the United States’ tariff gaps, the US imposes varying tariffs by country—for example, China, India, and Canada face higher rates than Thailand’s 19%. Thailand must find these gaps as opportunities, focusing on what can be changed and acting on feasible options. Importantly, global trade integration requires shared benefits to build sustainable partnerships—transforming from partners into shareholders. This is international marketing.
In agriculture, Thailand must ensure farmers’ income security. First is export focus. She invited consideration of what Thailand buys and from whom—such as Gripen jets, frigate ships, and commercial planes. Instead of only paying cash, agricultural products should be used as barter with conditions, raising agricultural prices and farmers’ incomes. Cultivation must shift from growing only what we want to growing according to demand. For example, Thailand and other countries alternate as top rice exporters; not all areas can grow jasmine rice, and some countries want other rice types. This must be considered to compete in rice exports. Many provinces have renowned rice varieties.
Supachai added that some communities lack production tools like rice milling machines or vacuum packaging machines. Others are ready but lack markets, storytelling, or packaging. Over two months, she has assisted about 200 communities, and with another four months of government, more communities could benefit. Besides rice, other agricultural products like cassava and geographically indicated (GI) high-value crops are also focused on. During her tenure, the Rice Management Committee approved a budget of 2,000 baht per rai for 10 rai per family to experiment with planting at field edges. Markets have been prepared to support these products. In two months, approval covered 1,000,000 rai.
Supachai also discussed the 'Wings for SME' policy to help citizens create high-value products. As Minister of Commerce, the Department of Business Development emphasizes franchise business development—expanding businesses without using personal capital, called Asset Light. When citizens’ businesses become franchises with proper standards, they can access loans. This initiative is underway and will continue.
She cited an example from visiting Saudi Arabia, where there is demand to purchase Thai franchise businesses.
This reflects the Asset Light concept to empower Thai SMEs.
Regarding high-value sectors, she said Thai people are talented and intelligent, especially young content developers who still lack support in skills, regulations, and funding access. Support is needed so they can commercialize their intellectual property and content ideas.
She also pushed for promoting GI (Geographical Indication) products. If consumer goods become GI-certified, their value will certainly increase. This effectively gives wings to Thai SMEs.
For the industrial sector’s future, the focus is on creating new S-Curves, such as tourism, which generates significant income for Thailand. Emphasis is on high-value tourism. Solving tourism issues requires building confidence and safety for visitors, which calls for integrated efforts. Current efforts include World Medical and Senior Living initiatives. The key is fewer visitors staying longer and spending more, supporting sustainable growth.
Supachai also mentioned supporting various hubs like halal. If Thailand can position itself as a halal hub in Southeast Asia, business opportunities will grow. Foreign interest is also seen in film production, with the US opening a joint campus with Chulalongkorn University for the first time. These are initiatives to be promoted.
Lastly, she highlighted the 'Fast, Transparent, No-Holds-Barred Government' policy aiming to speed up processes, reduce legal redundancies and delays, update laws, and ensure transparency and fairness by disclosing information. She humorously noted that the Regulatory Guillotine (law review) hasn’t progressed much because the prime minister dissolved parliament early; it will take four more years to resume. She encouraged citizens to participate in the tax system for greater benefits. If all policies are implemented, the result will be smiles from the Thai people. Though smiles are scarce now, with four more years, she is confident everyone will smile brightly.