Prime Minister Anutin opened a luncheon to listen to Thai private sector business leaders, declaring the government's readiness to act as a 'wall' supporting business matchmaking. He highlighted the BOI FastPass program, which has driven investment inflows to reach one trillion baht, ahead of compiling proposals for discussions with the Chinese government.
A reporter reported that at 11:30 a.m. (China Standard Time) on 18 July 2026, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul along with his wife and the Thailand team, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Akiniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Puangketkaew, Minister of Industry Warawut Silpa-archa, and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Chaichon Chidchob, together with various agencies, arrived at Shuangliu International Airport, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
Upon arrival in Chengdu, the Prime Minister immediately began economic activities at the Tianfu International Convention Center, participating in the “Prime Minister-Thai Private Sector Luncheon” to exchange views with prominent representatives of the Thai private sector.
Prime Minister Anutin revealed that over 150 Thai businesspeople traveled to China seeking business opportunities and partnerships. Currently, the Thailand FastPass program by the Board of Investment (BOI) has greatly reduced procedures, resulting in investment inflows into Thailand reaching one trillion baht since the beginning of the year, marking a new milestone that brings Thailand back onto the global investment radar.
"I do not want this to be seen as simply bringing anyone here, but these businesspeople see real opportunities and growth channels. If it were not beneficial, they would not have traveled. The participation of over 100 Thai private sector representatives shows readiness and strength in seeking partnerships and business matchmaking, with the cabinet and government standing as a wall to support, provide assurances, and facilitate all matters within existing laws to create new opportunities for investors fully," he said.
The Prime Minister took part in the “Prime Minister-Thai Private Sector Luncheon” to exchange views with Thai private sector representatives. Those sharing the table with the Prime Minister included:
Ms. Pimjai Leeissaranukul, Chairperson of the Federation of Thai Industries,
Mr. Narongsak Buddhaprommongkol, Chairman of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce,
Mr. Wiboon Supakarpongkul, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce,
Mr. Supachai Chearavanont, Senior Vice Chairman of the Charoen Pokphand Group,
Mr. Sarawut Youwitthaya, Chief Executive Officer of the TCP Group,
Ms. Supalak Ampuch, Chairperson of The Mall Group,
Mr. Vikrom Kromadit, Chief Executive Officer of AMATA,
Mr. Vichai Kulsompob, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Sahapat Group,
Mr. Yothin Damnoencharnwanich, Chairman of the 304 Industrial Estate,
Mr. Chaya Chanthawasu, Senior Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy at PTT,
and Ms. Manusri Chotitewan, Chairperson of Sahafarm.
The Prime Minister will listen to the views and proposals of the Thai private sector to bring forward in discussions with the Chinese government. On Monday, he is scheduled to meet with Premier Li Qiang of the People's Republic of China.
Meanwhile, the Thai private sector participants in the Chengdu business negotiations are all top-tier names, including those already engaged with Chinese investors and those seeking new business cooperation. There are 48 companies totaling 153 people, with 110 joining the Prime Minister for lunch.
