Forty-one leading U.S. companies engage with Thai officials to strengthen economic ties and promote investment opportunities.
Bangkok, Thailand – From November 25 to 27, 2024, the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) led a high-level delegation of 41 prominent American companies to Bangkok for its annual Thailand Business Mission. The visit aimed to foster deeper economic collaboration, encourage innovation, and identify investment opportunities across key sectors, engaging Thailand’s new administration in discussions that emphasised mutual growth.
The delegation, co-led by Ambassador Ted Osius, USABC President & CEO, and Ambassador Brian McFeeters, USABC Senior Vice President & Regional Managing Director, met with senior officials from the Royal Thai Government. The meetings focused on a range of priorities, including economic growth, sustainability, and innovation. These discussions underscored the significant role U.S. businesses play in strengthening the economic ties between the United States and Thailand, as well as the vast potential for further collaboration to help Thailand achieve its long-term development goals.
This year’s Thailand Business Mission marks one of the largest U.S. missions to ASEAN countries and highlights the commitment of the American private sector to supporting Thailand’s development as a vital business partner. “We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Thailand’s strategic location and investment ecosystem present numerous possibilities for cooperation. American companies have long recognised Thailand’s potential as a hub for innovation, trade, and investment,” stated Ambassador Ted Osius.
On November 27, the delegation had the opportunity to engage with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and members of her cabinet at the Government House of Thailand. The Prime Minister reiterated Thailand’s commitment to strengthening cooperation across various industries. Ambassador Brian McFeeters commended Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s visionary leadership, highlighting her comprehensive approach to Thailand’s economic future, addressing both immediate challenges and setting the stage for sustainable long-term growth.
Throughout the Mission, the USABC delegation met with senior Thai officials, including:
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Jantararuangtong
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit
- Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Narumon Pinyosinwat
- Minister of Commerce Pichai Naripthaphan
- Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsutin
- Deputy Minister of Finance Paopoom Rojanasakul
- Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Russ Jalichandra
- Advisor to the Minister of Energy Norkun Sitthiphoung
- Governor of Bank of Thailand Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput
- Secretary General of the Eastern Economic Corridor Dr. Chula Sukmanop
The US-ASEAN Business Council, since its establishment in 1984, has been the leading advocacy organisation for U.S. corporations operating in ASEAN. Its members represent more than 170 companies generating nearly US$7 trillion in revenue globally and employing over 14.5 million people.
