Bangkok: Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Thailand, emphasized the importance of enhancing economic cooperation between Thailand and the United States to achieve sustainability, fairness, and balance in the long term. He revealed the Thai government’s ongoing efforts to develop a cooperation framework aimed at reducing the trade imbalance, which is expected to alleviate the trade deficit by more than $15 billion. Pichai extended an invitation to US investors to explore natural gas resources along Thailand’s western and southern coasts.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Pichai spoke at the Thailand-US Trade and Investment Summit 2025, highlighting the historical ties between the two nations, strengthened by a treaty in effect since 1966. He noted the vital role of the US energy sector in Thailand’s economic growth, pointing out the country’s shift from reliance on domestic energy resources to increased imports. Pichai emphasized the untapped potential of areas in Thailand’s West and South for energy exploration, which could rival the Gulf of Thailand with modern technology.
Pichai called for serious discussions to open development opportunities in these regions, underscoring the need for economic partnerships that drive trade, investment, and sustainable growth. He reassured that such collaboration would benefit both economies, businesses, and citizens, fostering a prosperous relationship.
Thailand is advancing towards an innovation-driven economy, focusing on prosperity, ease of doing business, and adapting to global changes. The government is expediting approval processes, fostering a skilled workforce, digitizing government services, and negotiating Free Trade Agreements to position Thailand as a major business hub and regional market link.
The Thai government prioritizes its strategic partnership with the United States, working on a cooperation framework to address trade imbalances and promote long-term mutual benefits. Pichai mentioned a proposal aiming to cut the US trade deficit by $15 billion and highlighted the significance of reciprocal talent exchange in Thai-US relations.
In a positive development, Dr. Lastly Kai Foreman and the Thai Chamber of Commerce awarded Thai investors at the Select USA Investment Summit, showcasing Thailand’s dedication to fair and sustainable economic cooperation with the US. Despite significant Thai investment in the US, there remains potential for increased US investment in Thailand.
Thailand’s position among the top 25 investment-oriented emerging markets, according to Kearney’s FDI Confidence Index 2025, reflects a favorable investment climate. Pichai expressed gratitude to US investors for their trust, noting Thai companies’ $70 billion investment in the US across over 20 industries. He encouraged exploring further two-way investment opportunities, particularly in the energy sector.
Looking forward, Thailand’s private sector is prepared to expand partnerships with the US, especially in digital infrastructure and the digital economy. Pichai welcomed ongoing cooperation with US companies like Amazon Web Services, Google, and Microsoft, and highlighted Thailand’s need for US expertise in clean energy to enhance quality of life.
Moreover, Thailand seeks to strengthen its healthcare and hospitality sectors through collaboration with the US in health policy and advanced medical services. The development of a ‘Yoga and Wellness Center’ at the East National Center, confirmed during the Thai Prime Minister’s visit to the Motion Picture Association of America, is set for further discussion, focusing on health policy, standards, and rights procedures.