The Prime Minister showcased government stability, invited UK private sector to increase investment, highlighted several credit rating agencies upgrading Thailand's outlook to positive, and prepared to expedite his return to Thailand to immediately command flood operations.
On 26 Sep 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Ekaphop Pianpiset, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that upon arriving in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul began his mission by meeting government executives, Matt Western MP, UK trade representative, and private sector delegates from Virgin Atlantic and Rolls-Royce. The event, organized by the Stock Exchange of Thailand in collaboration with UBS, included a keynote speech and was attended by over 50 UK government and private sector representatives.
The Prime Minister noted that last year marked the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the UK, marked by close ties at royal, governmental, and public levels. Both countries share values of multilateral trade principles, free trade, and adherence to international rules. Last year, Thailand’s foreign direct investment increased by 37%. The government is pursuing FTAs with various countries and advancing OECD membership to enhance the business environment.
Regarding investment, many Thai private companies have invested in the UK, while the UK is a major investor in the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Virgin Atlantic launched a direct London-Phuket flight and is expanding cooperation with Bangkok Airways and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to attract tourists. Rolls-Royce executives expressed gratitude to the government for promoting investment and technology collaboration to elevate Thailand’s aviation industry to high-value activities. Investing in Thailand is also an entry to ASEAN’s 700 million population, a rapidly growing region.
The Prime Minister stated that Thailand has energy security and promotes alternative energy like wind and solar, including studying small modular nuclear reactors (SMR). The government supports transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy and fosters future industries such as AI and healthcare. For data centers, a policy committee oversees appropriate investment regulation. He invited investors and leading companies present to increase trade and investment, noting that Thailand-UK trade and investment remain relatively low.. Compared to the potential of both countries, UK institutional financial investors may show interest in stock markets, other assets, and direct investments. One advantage for Thailand is a stable government allowing policy continuity and strategic policymaking, such as seriously combating scammers and cyber threats. Recently, multiple credit rating agencies upgraded Thailand’s credit outlook to positive and "stable," underscoring ample economic opportunities.
Mr. Ekaphop also revealed that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has advanced his return schedule, departing London at 1:00 PM local time instead of 3:00 PM, and is expected to arrive in Thailand around 8:00 AM on 27 Sep 2026 GMT+7. Upon arrival, he will immediately undertake command of flood management operations.