Anutin steps forward to dispel rumors of Japanese investors relocating, affirming the government will not abandon longtime allies and will fully protect the traditional automotive industry. He has ordered Ekniti to revise the new electric vehicle promotion criteria to close loopholes that put established carmakers at a disadvantage.
On 21 Aug 2026 in Auckland, New Zealand, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters during his official visit to Australia and New Zealand that the government values investors from all countries, especially Japanese investors who have long used Thailand as a key production base and become an integral part of the Thai industrial sector. The government is committed to assuring that Thailand will not abandon these longstanding investors.
"I affirm the government's main policy is openness and readiness to improve conditions to facilitate business operations under the good relations we share. This aims to foster sustainable growth and emphasizes long-term cooperation to develop the economy and maintain a strong Japanese production base in Thailand."
"Because this is a relationship that cannot be abandoned, and we must also ensure that investors do not abandon Thailand. We are ready to ease obstacles to assure them that we will not forsake them—not a time when we agree to all their terms when they need us, then later impose new conditions when they are doing well," the Prime Minister added. The Prime Minister stated.
The Prime Minister continued that regarding electric vehicles (EVs), he has assigned Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas to consider ways to protect investors from all countries so that the traditional automotive industry, particularly Japanese investments, will not be disadvantaged. Structural adjustments will be made to ensure fairness and maintain investor confidence in Thailand. Although EV production currently relies heavily on imported parts, in the future a domestic supply chain will emerge, including batteries, computer systems, and other components that will be required to establish production bases in Thailand. The government is committed to maintaining political and economic stability as a positive factor to attract and retain long-term investment.
"We must rely on the numbers. Since this government took office, foreign investment entering Thailand has increased. Last year it exceeded one trillion baht, and in the first half of this year, actual investment has already reached 530 billion baht. Therefore, we have not seen any relocation of production bases or investment slowdowns due to claims that Thailand is not ready," the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister concluded.