Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, inaugurated "SUBCON Thailand 2026," emphasizing the 5Ts strategy: Target, Transition, Transform, Transparency, and Together, to invigorate the Thai industry. The initiative aims to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape, inspiring Thai entrepreneurs to explore new opportunities, integrate into global supply chains, and extend prospects to SMEs via business matching platforms.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Ekniti presided over the opening ceremony of SUBCON Thailand 2026, an event organized collaboratively by the Board of Investment (BOI), the Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association (TSPA), and Informa Markets Thailand. Held from May 13-16, 2026, at BITEC Bangna, Bangkok, the event focuses on addressing global changes affecting Thailand's economy. He pointed out various external factors influencing geopolitics, security, environmental standards, energy crises, and the emergence of AI, all of which are changing industrial operations and competition. Mr. Ekniti highlighted the potential for entrepreneurs to capitalize on these changes, with SUBCON Thailand playing a critical role in helping Thai industries seize these opportunities. The event provides a platform for Thai businesses to connect with international buyers, explore new technologies and standards, and transition from component manufacturers to global solution creators and partners.
Thailand's strong industrial base, experienced component manufacturers, developed infrastructure, and strategic location highlight its potential. In 2025, investment promotion applications to the BOI reached a record value exceeding 1.8 trillion baht, with over 1 trillion baht reported in the first quarter of 2026. However, aligning Thailand's trajectory with global trends remains crucial to creating business opportunities for entrepreneurs. This includes promoting investment in business transformation, digital technology, AI, clean energy, human resource development, and regulatory reforms to facilitate business operations.
Mr. Ekniti reiterated the importance of the 5T principle: Target (focusing resources efficiently), Transition (shifting to the new economy), Transform (restructuring the economy for SME growth), Transparency (using digital technology for operational transparency), and Together (uniting government, private sector, citizens, and entrepreneurs).
Mr. Narut Teodsathirasak, Secretary-General of the BOI, noted that the agency, in partnership with others, has organized SUBCON Thailand for two decades to connect Thai entrepreneurs to global supply chains. This year's event is more intensive, reflecting the new direction of global industries transitioning to advanced technology, sustainability, and production diversification. It aims to create supply chains supporting new industries such as electric vehicles, advanced semiconductors, electronics, automation, robotics, medical devices, and aerospace.
"Today, the world is undergoing a major supply chain restructuring, and Thailand is strategically positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. With well-prepared infrastructure, human resources, and a network of high-quality parts manufacturers, the BOI prioritizes creating business opportunities by connecting Thai entrepreneurs with leading global companies investing in Thailand, facilitating future subcontracting, technology transfer, and business partnerships," stated Mr. Narut.