Deputy Prime Minister Anutin is scheduled to fly to Shanghai this evening, aiming to attract AI investors to establish bases in Thailand. He praised China as a great ally supporting Thailand in all matters and discussed with EU business leaders accelerating the FTA process and advancing Thailand's OECD membership.
At 10:00 a.m. at the Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul spoke about his upcoming visit to the People's Republic of China from 16 to 20 July. He will attend the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai and inaugurate the Board of Investment (BOI) office in Chengdu. The Chinese government has officially invited him to visit Beijing, where he will hold bilateral talks with Premier Li Qiang. He will also meet on multiple platforms, including the ASEAN Summit and APEC meetings. AI is a key focus for the government, which supports and seeks international cooperation. This major event includes speeches and meetings with leading AI entrepreneurs to explore using Thailand as a base—whether as a data center or production hub for technology products.
He praised China as a great ally providing full support to Thailand in all areas.
Anutin stated that President Xi Jinping will meet with him and his delegation in Shanghai on 17 July. This presents a valuable opportunity to summarize discussions since last year, including during His Majesty the King's visit when China purchased Thai rice. He plans to request China’s continued support in trade, investment, security, and law enforcement cooperation. When asked for examples of security cooperation and legal issues to be addressed, Anutin said such matters are sensitive and discussed at the bilateral level. Pressed on tangible progress, he affirmed that developments have been ongoing, with China being a great ally supporting Thailand consistently—whether formally requested or not—in areas including security, anti-corruption, combating illegal crime, and trade.
Anutin discussed with EU business leaders efforts to accelerate the FTA.
This morning (16 July 2026), the Deputy Prime Minister welcomed executives and members of the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC), who led a delegation of European Union businesses visiting Thailand. At 10:00 a.m., Anutin commented that EU business leaders reaffirmed confidence in Thailand and praised its responsiveness. The discussions build on previous talks both domestically and abroad, preparing to support investment, tourism, and use of Thailand as a production base. They also called for support to finalize the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), currently in its final stages, aiming to conclude by the end of 2026. He emphasized the need to expedite cooperation, as the final phase often slows due to differing positions. Successfully closing the deal would multiply bilateral trade value, enabling Thai exports to support European production without tariff barriers. When asked about obstacles, the Prime Minister acknowledged issues remain regarding raw materials and agriculture, requiring careful balancing.
Fully committed to advancing OECD membership.
When asked whether he requested support for Thailand’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Anutin said this is raised at every forum, whether visiting countries or receiving foreign leaders in Asia and Europe. Leaders consistently pledge support for Thailand’s OECD membership, which is very important. Achieving membership would enable further initiatives such as enhanced FTAs and the Thailand FastPass system. Asked if membership can be secured by 2028 as targeted, he said the government is fully committed and has submitted extensive documentation and actions, though the final decision is not theirs to make.