On November 27th, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with a US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) delegation, highlighting common interests in broadening economic partnerships in clean energy, digital technologies, and creative industries.
The US-ABC delegation was led by Robert F. Godec, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, and Brian D. McFeeters, Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director of the US-ABC. Among the delegation were senior executives from over 40 major companies, representing billions of dollars in trade and employment opportunities.
The meeting comes amid heightened trade tensions between the U.S. and China, with President-elect Donald Trump promising to levy 60% tariffs, leading multinationals to diversify their supply chains further. ASEAN has come into focus as a Pacific Rim bloc that has historically balanced the interests of the two superpowers.
During the discussions, the US-ABC delegation applauded Thailand’s focus on the private sector and green development. Prime Minister Paetongtarn took the opportunity to present Thailand’s “soft power” policy to foster the development of experts, innovations, and new capacities in growing industries. Her invitation of knowledge sharing in key areas was reportedly well received by the delegation.
In terms of creative industries, Thailand is offering a 30% cash rebate for international filmmakers. Even before the rebate, more than 450 international film productions were initiated in the country in 2023, demonstrating the potential of Thailand as a haven for global film projects and, more broadly, as a creative hub. This aligns with Thailand’s broader strategy of diversifying its economy and luring global talent.
Thailand’s ties with the United States have been a key pillar of its foreign policy approach. Where Trump’s return to the White House spells trade disruption in some areas, the Paetongtarn administration and U.S. business leaders alike see opportunity in others. The Thai-U.S. economic and cultural partnership continues to evolve to meet the challenges and opportunities of a new era.
Looking ahead, as Thailand spearheads more initiatives for the development of strategic relationships, it is well positioned in the Indo-Pacific to serve the mutual interests of the region and promote innovation for sustainable development.
Teerin Julsawad 
Paul Rujopakarn