The Prime Minister joined forces with the Thai private sector, pledging the government is ready to lead the charge to open investment pathways, promote Thai products in the Chinese market, negotiate FTAs, support businesses in going global, and signal a crackdown on nominee shareholders and fake nationals to prevent foreigners from exploiting Thai rights in Thailand.
On 18 July 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, participated in the “Prime Minister-Thai Private Sector Luncheon” at Tianfu International Convention Center in Chengdu, People's Republic of China. Alongside the Thailand team, 140 senior Thai executives—CEOs from sectors including finance, food, energy, industrial estates, medical and public health, and tourism—attended the luncheon with the Prime Minister, with 110 joining the meal.
The Prime Minister said on stage he was pleased to be in Chengdu for the first time and delighted to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday, who reaffirmed that "Thailand and China are one family." He added that in discussions with Premier Li Qiang tomorrow, he will ask both leaders to look after Thai entrepreneurs operating in China.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that today's activities included the opening of the BOI office in Chengdu and the Thailand-China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum this afternoon. This marks Thailand’s serious commitment to enhancing local-level trade cooperation. He assigned the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Minister of Foreign Affairs, other ministers, heads of economic and investment ministries, the ambassador, and the BOI secretary-general to exchange views on the opportunities and challenges faced by Thai businesses in China, especially in Sichuan Province.
The Prime Minister emphasized Thailand’s readiness, stating the government’s role is to seek cooperation and create opportunities for the country and private sector under good governance principles. Therefore, the public and private sectors must work together transparently and accountably. The state’s role is to facilitate, such as by amending obstructive laws. He assured the private sector that Thailand is ready and confident this government will facilitate and be the "pathway" for private investment to reach the highest goals. Thai businesses are strong and growing not only in China but globally. Hence, the government’s current duty is to expedite FTA negotiations with key partners.
At the end, the Prime Minister thanked all Thai private sector members for being vital forces driving the national economy. He reiterated that the government’s role is to create opportunities, while the private sector builds success. If they work together as Team Thailand with a shared goal, he is confident Thailand will not only grow in the Chinese market but also strongly and sustainably enter global markets.
Anutin stated that currently no place is as ready as Thailand if viewed with a forward-looking confidence, as Thailand is centrally located with access north, south, east, and west. Regarding the land bridge project, some have advised delaying it due to funding concerns. In a meeting with the heads of the Federation of Thai Industries, Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Thai Bankers’ Association, they agreed that instead of the land bridge, what is needed are transport connection points, linking railways in western and eastern Thailand to the main north-south rail line, plus upgrading ports on both sides in southern Thailand. This approach is sufficient for current investment context and the government accepts this as a 5–10 year plan. While pushing ahead with the land bridge would take 3–5 years, improving ports and land transport connectivity can proceed immediately. Discussions with other countries have praised Thailand’s readiness, including infrastructure.
The Prime Minister urged confidence that this government will do everything—not just facilitate but create pathways to good destinations, enabling investment and business expansion to reach their highest levels. He affirmed that Thai businesses have proven themselves equal to any and that the government will strive to support investors to grow strong and prosper, reaching global markets. He thanked them for enhancing Thailand’s reputation and stressed that his government must accelerate FTA negotiations. Seeing today’s investor readiness gives the negotiation team confidence to compromise where possible and find alternatives where not, which will automatically increase trade value.
“Thai people dare to invest, even buying factories outright, not just joint ventures. Currently, nominee shareholders and ‘fake fathers’—children born with Thai nationality who at age five transfer shares—are widespread. We will not allow these issues in Thailand anymore and will act quickly to resolve them. Your readiness will back the government, and we will work together. I will lead the charge as the spearhead, breaking through obstacles while you expand businesses and generate income for the country. You must be the frontline and give it your all. We must work together without restraint, with two driving forces—public and private sectors—so the outcome is what every Thai person wants and Thailand’s prosperity will emerge.”
Reporters noted that 11 business leaders dined at the same table with the Prime Minister, including Pimjai Leeissaranukul, Chairperson of the Federation of Thai Industries; Narongsak Putaprommongkol, Chairperson of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Wiboon Supakornpongkul, Vice Chairperson of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; Supachai Chearavanont, Senior Vice Chairperson of Charoen Pokphand Group; Sarawut Uawitaya, CEO of TCP Group; Supalak Ampuch, Chairperson of The Mall Group; Vikrom Kromadit, CEO of AMATA; Wichai Kulsompong, CEO and Chairman of Sahapat Group; Yothin Damnoenchanyanich, Chairperson of Industrial Estate 304; Chaya Chantawasu, Senior Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy at PTT; and Manunsri Chotdewan, Chairperson of Saha Farm. The Prime Minister took this opportunity to listen to the Thai private sector’s views and proposals to bring to a meeting with Premier Li Qiang of the People’s Republic of China on Monday, 20 July.