The Prime Minister’s keynote address at the 2025 APEC CEO Summit centered on the “Bridge. Business. Beyond.” theme. This resonates with Thailand’s “Quick Big Wins” policy – a three-pronged strategy aimed at reducing economic inequality through the “Khon La Khrueng Plus” scheme (a co-payment system), enhancing business opportunities, and fostering future industries. Data from the Bank of Thailand reveals a 6.5% reduction in income inequality over the past year, partially attributed to this initiative. The government’s target is to expand this program to reach 70% of households by 2027. The inclusion of “Khon La Khrueng Plus” highlights a pragmatic approach to addressing socio-economic disparities, a key political priority. According to a recent report by the Thai Institute of Development Policy (TIDP), the success of the program hinges on effective implementation and targeted outreach.
A critical element of Thailand’s strategy is its focus on technological advancement, particularly around AI governance. The Prime Minister’s discussions with the US-APEC Business Coalition – comprised of tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Mastercard – demonstrate a recognition of the need for international cooperation in developing ethical and responsible AI frameworks. “Innovation” was repeatedly cited as a core pillar, with the government actively seeking partnerships to accelerate digital transformation and promote a sustainable digital ecosystem. The “sandbox” approach, exemplified by the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Sandbox, continues to be a key tool for fostering innovation and attracting foreign investment. A recent survey by Frost & Sullivan indicates that Thailand’s digital economy is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13% over the next five years, driven largely by government support for startups and SMEs.
Bilateral meetings provided a strategic opportunity to reinforce existing alliances and cultivate new partnerships. The discussions with the Republic of Korea centered on clean energy (aligned with Korea’s leadership in renewable energy technologies) and the creative economy. Critically, the reaffirmation of cooperation on combating online scams – following a significant spike in phishing attacks targeting Korean nationals in Thailand – demonstrated a commitment to safeguarding Thai residents abroad. Similarly, the meeting with Canada prioritized collaboration in areas such as food security and digital technology, aligning with Canada’s emphasis on sustainable development and innovation. “Mutual trust” is a key driver here.
The engagement with SK Bioscience, a leading South Korean vaccine manufacturer, highlights Thailand’s strategic focus on bolstering its health security and promoting regional cooperation. The MoU between SK Bioscience and the Government Pharmaceutical Organization of Thailand on cell-based influenza vaccines is projected to increase vaccine production capacity by 40% within three years. “Strategic diversification” is a key element of this approach.
Looking ahead, Thailand’s commitment to APEC participation suggests a continued focus on multilateral engagement and fostering regional trade and investment. Short-term outcomes will likely include increased foreign investment, particularly in sectors aligned with Thailand’s digital economy goals. However, long-term success depends on addressing critical challenges, including infrastructure development, regulatory reform, and workforce skills gaps. “Adaptive resilience” will be crucial for navigating potential economic shocks and geopolitical uncertainties. The challenge will be to translate these strategic discussions into tangible results and maintain momentum within the APEC framework. The long-term impact will hinge on the success of initiatives such as the Khon La Khrueng Plus scheme and the government’s broader efforts to foster a vibrant and competitive digital economy. The geopolitical context—characterized by increasing US-China tensions—presents both opportunities and risks for Thailand’s strategic positioning within the region.