Veerayut discussed with the US-ASEAN Business Council as investors complained about high energy costs and vehicle congestion at Laem Chabang Port. They also called for closing legal loopholes after discovering illicit cross-border goods smuggling that affected market mechanisms.
On 4 Nov 2026 at the Parliament Building, Mr. Veerayut Kanchuchat, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee of the House of Representatives and Deputy Leader of the People's Party, along with his team, welcomed Mr. Prap Piansakul, Head of the US-ASEAN Business Council for Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The meeting aimed to discuss Thailand's economic and political direction and exchange policy views to promote sustainable business and investment cooperation between Thailand and the United States.
The discussion focused on building confidence, improving regulations, and developing Thailand's trade and investment ecosystem through key strategic issues, especially enhancing competitiveness in energy. The delegation noted that Thailand currently has energy costs over 50% higher than neighboring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, impacting production costs, particularly for exporters to markets with environmental standards such as the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and countries like the US and Australia that are expected to raise environmental standards further in the future.
Additionally, the delegation highlighted the urgent need to develop infrastructure and logistics systems, especially regarding delays at Laem Chabang Port, where cargo ships currently wait 10 to 24 hours to unload, significantly raising logistics costs. Combined with illicit cross-border goods entering the domestic market, which disrupt market mechanisms, they proposed that the parliamentary committee expedite law enforcement improvements related to trade, online distribution channels, and closing legal loopholes. They also suggested Thailand urgently identify a lead agency to push policies on social development and reproductive health to prepare for demographic challenges impacting the labor market long-term.
Mr. Veerayut commented that all proposals are important issues the legislature recognizes and has been striving to address. Economic and investment policies today must go hand in hand with improving the economy to ensure fair competition. Law enforcement and regulations must be equitable and clear to reduce corruption, which is a hidden cost for businesses. Regarding demographics, he noted it is a strategic national issue requiring multi-stakeholder dialogue. He sees potential to use the Public Health Committee and Social Welfare Committee of the House as central platforms for joint discussions.
Mr. Veerayut concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening economic relations between Thailand and the United States. The Economic Development Committee is ready to promote policy recommendations that remove trade barriers, foster fair competition, and attract investment in innovation and clean energy to drive sustainable growth of Thailand's economy.
