US-ASEAN Business Council Leads 41 Company Delegation to Strengthen Ties with Thailand's New Administration
(Bangkok, Thailand) From November 25 to 27, the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) led a high-level delegation of 41 leading American companies to Bangkok for its annual Thailand Business Mission. The Mission aimed to engage the new Thai administration and foster opportunities to deepen economic collaboration, promote innovation, and enhance investment across key sectors.
During the visit, delegation members met with high-level officials from the Royal Thai Government to discuss a range of priorities including economic growth, sustainability, innovation, and investment opportunities. The discussions underscored the vital role of U.S. businesses in advancing the strong economic ties between the United States and Thailand, as well as the potential for further cooperation to help Thailand achieve its long-term development goals.
This year’s Thailand Business Mission marks one of the largest missions to ASEAN countries and highlighted the American private sector’s commitment to supporting Thailand’s development as a key business partner. The delegation was co-led by Ambassador Ted Osius, USABC President & CEO; Ambassador Brian McFeeters, USABC Senior Vice President & Regional Managing Director; and the Council’s Thailand Committee Leadership.
“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 recognized Thailand’s potential as a hub for innovation, trade, and investment, and we are encouraged by the new Thai government’s focus on strengthening the economy. We stand ready to collaborate with the Thai government as a trusted partner in advancing our shared economic and development goals.”, stated Ambassador Ted Osius, USABC President & CEO.
On November 27, the delegation had an opportunity to engage with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and members of her cabinet at the Government House of Thailand, where she reiterates Thailand’s commitment to developing cooperation across industries.
“We commend Prime Minister Paetongtarn for her visionary leadership and strategic plan for Thailand’s economic future. Her comprehensive approach not only addresses the country’s immediate economic challenges but also lays a strong foundation for sustainable and inclusive long-term growth. The USABC member companies that participated in this mission look forward to cooperating with the Royal Thai Government on innovation, digital, health, energy and other areas to align with Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s vision”, stated Ambassador Brian McFeeters, USABC Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director.
Throughout the Mission, USABC members engaged with senior officials across various ministries, 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