The Prime Minister has arrived in Tokyo to meet with “Team Thailand” to strengthen investment and promote the Thai-Japanese economy, while calling on Thai people to send their support to the Thai athletes participating in this Asian Games.
On 20 September 2026, Ekaphop Pianphiset, spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister, announced that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has arrived in Tokyo, Japan, and is scheduled to chair a meeting of Team Thailand in Japan at the Imperial Tokyo Hotel tomorrow. He will review performance results, challenges, and recommendations to ensure that Thai agencies in Japan align with the government’s direction and goals in promoting business and investment from Japan, especially in the automotive industry, which plays a vital role in the Thai economy. This includes expanding production supply chains and promoting Thailand as an investment base for future industries to create opportunities for Thai people and the private sector.
“Team Thailand” consists of representatives from Thai agencies abroad who collaborate to advance and strengthen cooperation between Thailand and the host country by integrating efforts and driving Thai policies across diplomatic, economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions in a unified direction to achieve goals and protect national interests.
Specifically, Team Thailand in Japan includes representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Labour, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Board of Investment (BOI). Additionally, the Prime Minister has proposed the “Team Thailand Plus” concept to open opportunities for Thai private sectors overseas to participate in setting goals and driving economic and social development collaboratively.
Regarding economic relations, Japan is Thailand’s third largest trading partner after China and the United States, with total trade valued at over 53.2 billion US dollars, accounting for 7.77 percent of Thailand’s total foreign trade. Thailand’s exports to Japan amount to 23.5 billion US dollars. In terms of investment, Japan remains the top foreign investor in Thailand with a cumulative investment of 184.7 billion baht in 2025. The BOI approved 248 Japanese investment projects totaling 67.2 billion baht, ranking fifth in approved foreign investments. Key investment sectors include machinery and automotive, metal and materials industries, and electrical and electronic appliances.
“Besides preparing for tomorrow’s Team Thailand meeting, today the Prime Minister also sent his encouragement to the Thai athletes participating in this Asian Games, urging everyone to perform to the best of their ability. Regardless of the results, they represent Thailand with dedication and bring pride to the country in international competitions. This is a source of national pride for all Thai people,” Ekaphop concluded.