The Prime Minister presented awards to 44 outstanding exporters in 2026, affirming Thailand's potential as a key regional production and export hub, supporting SMEs to enter global markets, and stating that the government will be the "vehicle" for entrepreneurs to drive where they wish to go.
At 10:15 a.m. on 7 Aug 2026 GMT+7, at the Santi Maitri Building (Outer Rear) of the Government House, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the Prime Minister's Export Award 2026 ceremony. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphachai Suwanphan, Permanent Secretary of Commerce, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion, government officials, and entrepreneurs attended.
Deputy Prime Minister Suphachai expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for presiding over the award ceremony and thanked representatives from all sectors. She congratulated Thai entrepreneurs receiving this prestigious award, noting it not only reflects success but symbolizes standards, quality, and credibility of products and services nationally. She emphasized the award inspires entrepreneurs continuously to reach the global level and stressed that the selection process was transparent and rigorous.
The Prime Minister said today's awards prove the determination, creativity, and competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs who bring honor to the country. Given the rapidly changing global economy and production restructuring, nations now compete not merely to export more products but to become integral parts of global supply chains, a priority for this government.
Thailand has the potential to become a major regional production and export base. The government will create a conducive environment by developing infrastructure, upgrading regulations, and linking Thai entrepreneurs to global supply chains to produce components, raw materials, and provide high-value services.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the government is opening trade opportunities through free trade agreements with key countries and regions worldwide. The government is striving to finalize new deals fully to expand Thai product access to global markets and build confidence among countries using Thailand as a production base for exports.
Additionally, the government focuses on building a new national economy by promoting future industries such as digital technology, semiconductors, advanced electronics like electric vehicles, biotechnology, modern medicine, the green economy, and clean energy. Thailand aims not only to export products but also to innovate and add value. This progress depends on Thai entrepreneurs who continuously develop. The Prime Minister expressed pleasure seeing entrepreneurs adopt digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve production efficiency, enhance design, build brands, raise product standards, and conduct business with environmental and sustainability awareness. These factors are crucial for long-term competitiveness of Thai products.
The Prime Minister further emphasized that the public sector will accelerate reform of trade and investment regulations that hinder business, open new markets to diversify risks from dependence on any single market, and support Thai entrepreneurs, especially SMEs, in accessing global markets. He believes Thailand's export success must come from businesses of all sizes, not just large ones, as their success strengthens the economy. Every sale and export contributes to national economic security and showcases Thailand's potential on the global trade stage.
The Prime Minister affirmed that as head of this government, the public and private sectors will advance together. The government will open doors to global markets and connect Thailand to global supply chains, while private entrepreneurs will innovate and maintain quality of Thai export products.
He added that during visits to countries worldwide, meeting businesspeople from trading partners, he takes pride in their confidence in Thai products. He stressed that Thais should believe in their own products even more, as domestic support combined with global exports will bring significant positive change.
The Prime Minister also noted that when meeting Thai business owners abroad who lack supply chains, efforts must be made to create opportunities for entrepreneurs in those countries. Thai businesses abroad are ready but face tariff barriers. If FTAs with Europe are finalized, some tariffs as high as 25% will be removed immediately, benefiting raw materials and components sourced from Thailand as part of production chains.
He said, “If tariff barriers remain, the chance for raw materials from Thailand is low. Accelerating FTAs with various regions will create significant income and economic stability for the country. Benefits extend beyond tariffs; FTAs will also demonstrate that once finalized with a country, trade value with that country can grow three to four times. This greatly benefits the Thai economy and your businesses.”
The Prime Minister said he has visited many countries and none of Thailand's trading partners have complained or lost confidence. On the contrary, they want to increase production, orders, and market channels. Everyone must collaborate. Regarding energy and other issues, preparations are in place with no shortages, so there is no need for concern. He urged entrepreneurs to focus on expanding, planning business development, and increasing product value. Thailand has great potential and must move forward without risk. This government will be the vehicle enabling you to drive in the direction you desire.”
Afterwards, the Prime Minister took photos with the event organizers and awardees, then toured exhibition booths of entrepreneurs at the event. The Prime Minister's Export Award 2026 recognized a total of 44 entrepreneurs across seven categories:
1) Best Exporter Award – 9 recipients
2) Best Thai Brand Award – 9 recipients
3) Best Green & Sustainable Exporter Award – 7 recipients
4) Best Design Award – 8 recipients
5) Best Services Enterprise Award – 6 recipients across 4 award fields
6) Best One Tambon One Product (OTOP) Award – 3 recipients
7) Best Halal Product Award – 2 recipients
