Prime Minister Anutin held a roundtable discussion with leading national CEOs, with "CP Group" and "Sahapat Group" tycoons seated to his immediate right and left. He emphasized that the government and private sector must move forward together in the same direction, aiming to remove business constraints and increase employment.
At 17:00 on 15 May 2026 at the Government House, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a joint meeting between the government and private sector on strategies to enhance the country's economic competitiveness. The atmosphere was cordial. Before the discussion began, there were warm greetings and smiles. The Prime Minister sat at the head of the table, flanked by 35 senior executives from 10 key industrial sectors, including Dhanin Chearavanont, Senior Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group (seated to the Prime Minister’s right).
Also present were Pakpon Ngamlak, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Charoen Pokphand Group; Supachai Chearavanont, Chief Executive Officer of Charoen Pokphand Group; Vethit Chokwatana, Managing Director of Sahapat Group Public Company Limited (seated to the Prime Minister’s left); Sarath Ratanavadi, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Development Public Company Limited; Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, executive of King Power Corporation Limited; Supalak Ampuch, Chairperson of The Mall Group; executives from Thai Beverage Public Company Limited; Tos Chirathivat, Chairperson of Central Group; representatives from the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Thai Industries, Thai Bankers’ Association, and Thai SME Confederation, among others.
Cabinet members also attended, including Deputy Prime Ministers and Ministers: Pipat Ratchakitprakarn (Transport), Anek Laothamatas (Finance), Sihasak Phuangketkaew (Foreign Affairs), Pakorn Nilprapunt, Yotsanan Wongvasit (Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation), Supamas Isarapakdi (Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office), Naphin Sriprapang (Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office), Chaichanok Chidchob (Minister of Digital Economy and Society), Suriya Jungrungreangkit (Agriculture and Cooperatives), Eknath Pompand (Energy), General Adul Boonmthongcharoen (Defense), Sanphet Boonyamanee (Deputy Minister of Transport), Prasert Chanruangrongthong (Education), Police Lieutenant General Rutthapon Naowarat (Justice), Warawut Silpa-archa (Industry), Nan Boonthida Somchai (Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society), as well as permanent secretaries and relevant officials.
The Prime Minister stated, "I would like to warmly welcome all private sector entrepreneurs who have honored the government with this meeting today. The theme is ‘Entrepreneurs Speak, Government Listens.’ From now on, after my remarks, it will be your turn to speak, and we will listen carefully and compile your input to summarize and achieve the entrepreneurs' objectives. This government must drive the country's economy together with the private sector. Working separately is not possible because it would prevent us from reaching our goals. Today’s goal is for the government to listen to your opinions to promote and support all sectors to compete fully in a changing world—whether in international finance, technology, or the environment—all affecting Thailand’s economic growth. Our government prioritizes reducing obstacles and enhancing private sector capabilities by addressing regulatory issues, redundant approval processes that increase business costs, labor shortages, skills mismatches with modern industry needs, and opening doors to the green industry, which is increasingly vital to the global economy."
The Prime Minister continued, "In this meeting, there is no head of the table; everyone is equally important. I have included many ministers who are sitting among you. Last week, I attended an ASEAN meeting in the Philippines where I proposed emphasizing ASEAN’s power grid, cooperation on clean energy, and food security. ASEAN must speak with one voice to build resilience and negotiation mechanisms, elevating ASEAN’s geopolitical importance. Every country emphasized clean energy, logistics, and food security without prior coordination. For Thailand, we have strong potential in these three areas to help ASEAN become a global focus, and I believe Thailand is ASEAN’s center. Therefore, there is great opportunity to strengthen Thailand’s economic security. But I must stress that government and private sector must proceed together. This government is ready to facilitate everything and is not bound by old contexts, outdated laws, or complicated procedures. Most importantly, fairness must be ensured so everyone has the opportunity to conduct business and hire labor, enhancing the nation’s and your enterprises’ capabilities. We cannot progress without you. This is why I have discussed with deputy prime ministers, ministers, and related agencies like the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and the Board of Investment (BOI) to arrange today’s meeting—to hear your views and incorporate them so your expectations help you achieve your goals. When you succeed, Thailand succeeds. Everyone wins. That is today’s purpose."
The Prime Minister added, "I encourage you to discuss openly here. If you still have more to share afterward, we will have dinner together. I invite the government to host a dinner with the country’s leading entrepreneurs and business operators to utilize all your insights and information for the greatest benefit to Thailand."
A reporter noted that at 17:00, the 35 senior executives from 10 private business groups gathered, after which the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers began listening to and exchanging opinions before concluding the government-private sector dialogue.
At 18:00, it was reported that the Prime Minister would invite all private guests for a group photo inside the Thai Khu Fah Building.
Subsequently, at 19:00, the Prime Minister hosted a dinner at the Santi Maitri Building (Outer Wing) and expressed gratitude to all executives who attended the event.
Before the meeting, Prime Minister Anutin spoke about hosting the event titled ‘Entrepreneurs Speak, Government Listens,’ inviting over 34 senior executives from 10 key industrial sectors to present their views to the government. The main theme was to provide entrepreneurs an opportunity to express opinions and offer suggestions to the government, which is ready to listen and consider all proposals and approaches to facilitate business operations as much as possible, ultimately benefiting both citizens and the nation.
Regarding how the government will build upon the entrepreneurs’ feedback, the Prime Minister said the government wants to understand the business sector’s situation, expectations, and proposals for support to help expand operations, generate national income, increase employment, and build economic prosperity.
The Prime Minister further stated he has instructed government agencies that under his leadership, all sectors must work together to drive the economy. The government plays a key role in supporting business. Therefore, implementing policies without consulting entrepreneurs may not align with their true needs. Hence, entrepreneurs, many of whom are familiar with and already collaborate with the government, are invited to have open discussions. The government is committed to doing everything possible to strengthen the economy so it can move forward with capability, a promising future, and sustainability.
