Thai PM to Tour Japan, US, UK to Boost Economy and AI Cooperation

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to embark on a significant diplomatic and economic tour of Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom from September 20-27. The trip aims to bolster Thailand's international standing and enhance cooperation in economic and digital sectors. Accompanying the Prime Minister will be Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeaw and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn. His first destination is Tokyo, Japan, arriving on September 20. On September 21, he is scheduled to meet with Thai athletes participating in the Asian Games to offer encouragement, followed by presiding over a meeting of the "Team Thailand" in Japan before proceeding to the United States. A key focus in the US will be the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81). This year's theme is "Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Addressing Challenges in the New Era of Development for All." The Prime Minister is expected to attend the opening ceremony and participate in the general debate. He will also hold bilateral meetings with leaders and high-level representatives from various countries, as well as the UN Secretary-General. These include planned discussions with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, and the Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Armenia, and Bangladesh. On September 24, Prime Minister Anutin is slated to deliver a general debate statement, articulating Thailand's perspective to the global community and advocating for mutually beneficial cooperation. Beyond diplomatic engagements, this tour is explicitly framed as a "proactive economic mission." Particularly during his US visit, he will leverage the presence of global leaders to engage directly with investors and the business community. Key objectives include building confidence in Thailand's economic potential, presenting business and investment opportunities, and expanding economic ties between Thailand and the US. This initiative extends beyond government officials, as executives from the Thai Capital Market Council and the Stock Exchange of Thailand will join a roadshow to present the potential and direction of Thailand's capital market to global investors, financial institutions, and leading corporations. Another significant highlight is "Technology and AI." On September 23, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Google to meet with Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google. Minister Chaiwut will also be present. The discussions will center on cooperation in digital and technology, including exploring Google's innovations, particularly in interactive AI technologies and digital solutions applicable to economic development and various services. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society will discuss strategies for developing Thailand's digital and AI ecosystem, from digital infrastructure and workforce skills development to fostering an environment conducive to investment by global tech firms. Furthermore, opportunities are being created to meet with executives from leading US tech companies such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft to build collaborative networks and showcase Thailand's capabilities as a hub for digital and technology investment and business development. This roadshow aims to broaden Thailand's foreign investor base, enhance confidence, and connect the Thai capital market with global financial centers, thereby opening avenues for long-term investment in Thailand. Meetings with leading British businesses are also on the agenda. Consequently, this foreign trip addresses multiple objectives concurrently: First, utilizing the UNGA81 platform to project Thailand's role and perspective to the world. Second, leveraging international forums to build confidence in the Thai economy and establish direct connections with investors. Third, integrating Thailand's capital market into global investment networks. Fourth, positioning technology, digital advancements, and AI as crucial mechanisms for enhancing the nation's competitiveness. All these efforts are unified under the overarching goal of translating international meetings and network building into tangible economic opportunities for Thailand, including investment, job creation, revenue generation, technological advancement, and upskilling the Thai workforce.