Thai Business Group Explores Subic Freeport for Investment

Thailand is looking to expand its trade, logistics, and manufacturing presence in the Philippines, with the Subic Bay Freeport emerging as a strategic gateway due to its proximity to Thailand. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said Monday that a delegation led by Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Makawadee Sumitmor met with SBMA Chairperson and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño last week to discuss the freeport’s strategic role in the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC). During a July 26 meeting with the SBMA’s Business and Investment Group at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, the delegation discussed potential areas for collaboration and future investments in the freeport. According to the SBMA, Ambassador Sumitmor said Thai companies are looking at opportunities in the energy, logistics, technology, digital innovation, and service sectors. Representatives from the Thai Embassy and PTT Philippines Corp. also expressed interest in strengthening business partnerships in the freeport. The delegation also toured key facilities and locator companies inside the freeport to identify potential investment sites. The SBMA said the visit underscores the growing interest of Thai firms in the Luzon Economic Corridor, an initiative linking the economic hubs of Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas through improved infrastructure and logistics. PTT Philippines Corp., a subsidiary of Thailand’s PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited, is among the freeport’s current investors and is expected to support further expansion of Thai businesses in the area.