Bangkok: Ekniti Nitithanpraphas, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, has identified a new global investment cycle as a key opportunity for Thailand to bolster its economic growth by attracting new investment and relocating production bases. He aims to increase the country's investment to 30% of GDP, focusing on industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EVs), electronics, and clean energy.
According to Thai News Agency, Ekniti highlighted the impact of global conflicts on Thailand's economic landscape during his keynote address at Thailand Focus 2026: Reignite Thailand, an event organized by the Stock Exchange of Thailand and its partners. He emphasized the necessity for both the government and private sector to capitalize on these global shifts by leveraging the capital market to channel funds into the Thai economy. This comes as Assadej Kongsiri, Director and President of the Stock Exchange of Thailand, noted the recovery of the SET index to 1,600 points, with foreign investors turning to net purchases totaling over US$2 billion.
Ekniti also addressed the challenges posed by Thailand's high dependence on energy imports and a declining working-age population, which necessitate a focus on investment and productivity for sustained economic growth. In the first half of 2026, investment promotion applications from the Board of Investment (BOI) rose to 1.47 trillion baht, marking a 37% increase. Actual investments in promoted projects exceeded 500 billion baht, showcasing a significant rise, while private sector investment expanded by nearly 15% in the second quarter, the highest increase in over a decade.
The government has laid out a comprehensive economic strategy centered on three pillars: stabilizing the current economy, transitioning towards an energy-efficient future, and investing for long-term growth. Immediate measures such as "Thai Helps Thai Plus" and the state welfare card will be implemented to provide targeted assistance while maintaining fiscal discipline.
In terms of energy transition, the government plans to expedite investments in renewable energy, transmission systems, and clean transportation. Efforts will include Direct Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and Third-Party Access to boost private sector investment in clean energy. A 400 billion baht emergency loan decree supports this transition.
The future investment strategy aims to raise investment levels from 23% to 30% of GDP, with initiatives like the Thailand FastPass program. The anticipated 700 billion baht investment focus will be on target industries including AI, advanced electronics, EVs, clean energy, healthcare, and longevity.
Ekniti stressed that the ultimate goal is not merely to attract investment but to transform capital into capabilities through technology transfer and skills development. The BOI's Skill Bridge project will support the demand for skilled personnel in sectors like AI, cloud computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology.
The capital market plays a crucial role in this strategy by connecting capital with growth. Initiatives like TISA and BOI-to-IPO aim to expand the base of long-term investors and bring New Economy companies to the market. Programs like JUMP+ will help upgrade listed companies, positioning the capital market as a "Trusted Connector" for supporting investment and growth in the Thai economy.
Assadej Kongsiri noted significant positive developments in the Thai capital market, with the SET Index rising from 1,200 to 1,600 points and average daily trading volumes increasing significantly. Foreign capital flows have shifted from a net outflow of US$3 billion last year to a net inflow of over US$2 billion this year, reflecting an improved investment climate due to political stability and effective policy implementation. Signs of recovery in foreign direct investment and domestic private sector investment are also emerging, signaling a brighter economic outlook for Thailand.