The Prime Minister emphasized Thailand's readiness to handle changes in the global economy, aiming to maintain economic stability while simultaneously restructuring the economy and attracting investment in future industries.
At 19:00 on 15 Oct 2026 at the Ballroom, 4th floor, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Bangkok, Pathumwan District, Bangkok, Mr. Ekaphop Pianpiset, spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul attended and delivered a keynote speech at the forum “A World in Transition: An Evening with Richard Quest,” organized by Bank of America in collaboration with CNN.
Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Jin Su, Bank of America's Asia Pacific Regional President, and Ms. Orakanya Pibultham, Managing Director of Bank of America Thailand. The Prime Minister then delivered a special keynote address, with the main points as follows:
The Prime Minister praised Bank of America for hosting the forum that gathered business leaders, investors, policymakers, and key global decision-makers to exchange views. He expressed his pleasure in meeting Richard Quest, CNN’s international business correspondent who reports on business, economics, and global travel, and has featured Thailand’s tourism and culture through various programs.
The Prime Minister spoke about the forum’s theme “A World in Transition,” noting that changes are affecting capital flows, business models, and the competitiveness of countries. Thailand views these changes as opportunities to upgrade industries, create quality jobs, and promote sustainable economic growth under three key approaches: maintaining current stability, accelerating economic restructuring, and investing for the future.
As of September 2026, Thailand's international reserves stood at approximately 276 billion U.S. dollars, serving as a crucial buffer against external uncertainties. Meanwhile, in the first half of 2026, investment promotion applications totaled 43.6 billion U.S. dollars, up 37% from the same period last year, with strong interest in digital infrastructure and advanced industries.
"Thailand's key goal going forward is to convert investor interest into actual investments in the country, leading to technology transfer, creation of high-skilled jobs, and increasing opportunities for Thai businesses to participate and grow alongside foreign investment," the Prime Minister said. .
Furthermore, Thailand is working with ASEAN member countries to expand financial connectivity, promote digital payment systems, strengthen energy security, and develop regional infrastructure to better handle various risks. The annual IMF and World Bank meetings also offer important opportunities to foster international discussions to enhance capacities to face global uncertainties and mobilize funds for environmentally friendly and sustainable economic development. Thailand hopes to contribute to tangible cooperation on these issues.
At the conclusion, the Prime Minister emphasized that building economic resilience means not only responding to potential crises but also having the ability to adapt, collaborate, and seize opportunities amid change. He expressed hope that the forum would provide valuable perspectives and proposals beneficial for business and driving the global economy. He also thanked Bank of America for their continued support of Thailand, especially organizing investor meetings during his visit to New York for the UNGA, which received positive responses, and expressed hope that these engagements would lead to concrete cooperation and investment benefiting Thailand and investors in the long term.
The forum “A World in Transition: An Evening with Richard Quest” served as a platform to exchange views on global economic directions, capital movements, and business challenges amid change. CNN’s international business journalist and host Richard Quest shared perspectives and experiences, alongside senior executives from financial institutions and international businesses such as Bank of America, MUFG Bank, Western Company, BlackRock, and Indorama Ventures.
