USABC Hosts Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, Senior Officials, and Leading Firms on the Margins of the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit
Washington, D.C. — On May 4, on the margins of the 2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit, the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) convened two high-level engagements with senior officials from the Kingdom of Thailand. Taking place during one of the United States’ premier investment promotion events, these engagements brought together government officials, industry leaders, and representatives from both countries to exchange perspectives on Thailand’s economic priorities, emerging opportunities for U.S. businesses, and the importance of sustained public‑private dialogue at a pivotal moment for regional trade and investment.
Marking Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee Suthumpun's first visit to the United States since assuming office following Thailand's 2026 General Election, USABC hosted an Exclusive Luncheon in honor of Her Excellency Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of the Kingdom of Thailand. USABC Chief Operating Officer Maggie Hanson-Muse opened the program with welcoming remarks, followed by remarks from Deputy Assistant Secretary for Southeast Asia Hunt VanderToll of the U.S. Department of State. Senior Thai officials in attendance included the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States, the Thailand Trade Representative, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, and the Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations, among others.
USABC Vice President of Research, Technology, and Financial Services Mario Masaya moderated a fireside chat with the Deputy Prime Minister on Thailand's trade and investment priorities. Her Excellency outlined Thailand's commercial priorities and investment climate, including Thailand's approach to ongoing trade discussions with the United States, progress toward the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, tourism competitiveness, and supply chain resilience.
Later in the day, USABC and Baker McKenzie jointly co-hosted a Networking Reception welcoming the SelectUSA Thailand Delegation. The reception featured His Excellency Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside senior officials from Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Board of Trade of Thailand. Corporate representatives from leading Thai firms — Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, Thai Union, Indorama Ventures, SCG Packaging, PTT Exploration and Production, and Bangkok Bank, among others— joined U.S. business leaders for an evening of dialogue on the bilateral commercial relationship.
"Thailand remains a vital partner in the U.S.-ASEAN commercial relationship, and today's engagements reinforced the importance of sustained public-private dialogue at this pivotal moment for U.S.-Thailand trade and investment," said Maggie Hanson-Muse, Chief Operating Officer of the US-ASEAN Business Council.
USABC extends its sincere appreciation to Her Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Suphajee, His Excellency Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, and the Thai delegation for a productive and insightful discussion. The Council also thanks Baker McKenzie for graciously co-hosting the evening reception, and the USABC member companies for their participation.