Thai private sector to boost investment in the US

Leading Thai companies have pledged to increase investment in the United States beyond US$2 billion in the near future, said Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Chutintorn led a 35-member delegation to the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2025 in Maryland last week.

Hosted annually by the US Department of Commerce, the summit serves as a key platform to promote investment in the United States and strengthen ties between US states, global private sector investors, and economic development organizations.

The Thai delegation included Nalinee Taveesin, President of the Thailand Trade Representatives; Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; and representatives from top Thai firms with significant US operations—such as Charoen Pokphand Group, Banpu, PTT, Indorama Ventures, SCG, Thai Summit, Thai Union, and EGCO.

Collectively, these companies invested around US$15 billion in the US last year.

Chutintorn stated that the visit underscored strong public-private sector collaboration in expanding Thai investments in the US.

During the summit, the delegation reiterated its commitment to consider further investments and held meetings with officials from multiple US states to explore new opportunities.

They also took part in sector-specific sessions aimed at enhancing cooperation in target industries.

Notably, Ampon Asuwapongpatana, Vice President of US Business at Charoen Pokphand Group Co., Ltd. (CP Group), was invited by US organizers to speak at the Industry Spotlight: Food and Beverage session.

He offered valuable insights on the US food industry, highlighting both opportunities and challenges based on CP Group’s extensive experience.

Chutintorn emphasized that the US remains one of Thailand’s most important partners in trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation. Thai investment in the US now totals over US$17 billion, supporting more than 12,000 jobs across 20+ US states.

He also noted Thailand’s growing interest in the energy sector. The week before the summit, Prasert Sinsukprasert, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, led a delegation to Alaska to explore LNG cooperation—following Governor Mike Dunleavy of Alaska’s visit to Thailand in March 2025.