Bangkok: The public and private sectors in Thailand are collaborating through the Economic and Social Development Council (ESSC) to convert business proposals into actionable plans, with the aim of positioning the country among the top 20 globally competitive industries.
According to Thai News Agency, the first meeting of the Joint Public-Private Sector Committee for Economic Problem Solving (JPC) for the year 2026 was held today at the Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House. Chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the meeting set the stage for strategic economic planning. Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced that proposals from recent forums with the private sector have been integrated into the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) framework. This initiative addresses four key areas: establishing a new national industrial base, promoting SMEs and community economies, developing human resources and innovation, and enhancing public sector efficiency.
The Reinvent Thailand policy, which is informed by feedback from the private sector, targets the advancement of seven future economic sectors, including agriculture and processed food, future automotive, smart electronics, medical and health, tourism, retail and trade, and the creative economy. These sectors employ over 273,000 people and generate significant economic activity, contributing to 66% of total revenue across all sectors. The policy operates through four pillars: future industries, businesses, cities, and workforce, with goals to boost competitiveness, achieve high-income status within 12 years, and secure a top 20 global competitiveness ranking, while ensuring fiscal and economic stability.
Strategic goals and frameworks were established during the meeting, focusing on investment, trade, tourism, community economies, human resources, technology, and business facilitation. Performance targets and indicators were also set, with subcommittees tasked to drive key initiatives. Prime Minister Charnvirakul emphasized the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to achieve these objectives, urging the subcommittees to set clear goals and monitor progress to enhance Thailand's economic potential.
The meeting also agreed to form four subcommittees to guide development toward the set goals. These include the Sub-Committee on New Investment Development, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas; the Sub-committee on Trade, Tourism and Community Economic Development, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Supajee Suthamphan; the Sub-committee on Human Resource Enhancement and Technology Development, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Yoschanan Wongsawat; and the Sub-committee on Business Facilitation Development, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan. These subcommittees will develop strategic initiatives and prioritize issues for immediate and long-term impact, with regular reports to be submitted to the NESDC every two months.
Prime Minister Charnvirakul highlighted the urgency of implementing the resolutions from the meeting, stating that the government's efforts to improve competitiveness have received positive international feedback. He expressed optimism about Thailand's ability to advance rapidly with the proposed changes, emphasizing that the government is committed to progress and is actively working toward the country's economic transformation.