On 16 January 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs, had a meeting with representatives from the Thai private sector to discuss the advancement of economic diplomacy strategies. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), led by Dr. Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of JSCCIB and the Thai Chamber of Commerce, together with Mr. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, and Mr. Kobsak Duangdee, Secretary-General of the Thai Bankers' Association.

The meeting exchanged views on ways to promote and advance economic diplomacy strategies in a coordinated manner, amid geopolitical volatility, geoeconomic and technological competition, and the erosion of the rules-based global order. In this regard, the Foreign Ministry has a key economic mandate to help shape and guide the implementation of economic diplomacy strategies. After the meeting, the Foreign Minister, together with representatives from the Ministry and the Chairman of JSCCIB, jointly held a press briefing following the meeting, underscoring the importance of integrating cooperation between the public and private sectors in advancing Thailand’s economic diplomacy agenda, with three key strategic priorities: (1) building confidence in Thailand (Confidence); (2) enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness (Competitiveness); and, (3) expanding cooperation with partners in all regions (Collaboration & Partnership) to support the country’s long-term, sustainable economic growth.

In addition, Mrs. Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, also provided information to the media on the implementation of the Thailand - Africa Initiative (TAI), which is aimed at strengthening cooperation with countries in the African region in four key areas: (1) political cooperation; (2) economic cooperation; (3) development cooperation; and, (4) international strategic cooperation. The TAI forms part of Thailand’s economic diplomacy policy, which seeks to promote amicable relations between Thailand and Africa and to encourage the Thai private sector to explore and expand into markets in the African region.