Davos: Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, engaged in strategic negotiations with global leaders at the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, to attract international investment. Dr. Ekniti's agenda included discussions on human capital development, public health systems, and strengthening resilience in developing countries, building on Thailand's achievements in universal health coverage and its proactive role in ASEAN.

According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Ekniti met with Dr. Christopher J. Elias of the Gates Foundation to explore global development opportunities. The discussions highlighted the importance of investment in human capital and public health systems, reflecting Thailand's ongoing commitment to prepare for public health emergencies and emerging diseases.

Dr. Ekniti also had a meeting with Mr. Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, addressing global trade challenges and technological adaptation, particularly artificial intelligence. The dialogue focused on workforce skills development and equitable access to new technological benefits. They also explored cooperation in finance and capital markets, emphasizing Hong Kong's potential as a funding hub and its private sector's investment opportunities in Thailand. Dr. Ekniti invited Hong Kong to engage in activities linked to Thailand hosting the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in October 2026.

Further discussions were held with Mr. Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), centered on Thailand's OECD membership process. They discussed governance, anti-corruption, regulatory quality, competition, investment, and public sector oversight, viewing OECD membership as a step to enhance Thailand's competitiveness and policy credibility, aligning with the nation's economic development goals.