Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Suphajee Suthumpun, delivered a speech at the “Thailand-U.S. Trade and Investment Summit 2026: Building on a Longstanding Partnership,” organized by the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM Thailand), and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The summit provided an important opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding relationship between Thailand and the United States, which spans more than 200 years. Mrs. Suphajee also extended her congratulations to the American people on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Over the past two and a half centuries, the United Stated has played an important role in advancing global progress. Today, however, the world is facing significant changes, including shifts in global trade patterns and growing geopolitical uncertainties.

Thailand stands ready to be part of the solution by strengthening its role as a resilient, secure, and reliable production and supply-chain hub for the region and global markets. The United States is currently one of Thailand’s most important trading partners and its number one export market. Hundreds of U.S. companies operate in Thailand, with cumulative investments totaling tens of billions of U.S. dollars. These investments have created jobs, technology transfer, and workforce development, and have strengthened the competitiveness of the Thai economy.

Looking ahead, Thailand is working toward becoming a high-income economy, with the government promoting investment in industries of the future, including digital technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, semiconductors, clean energy, biotechnology, and next-generation automative technologies. Thailand is also inviting U.S. investors and businesses to participate in these opportunities, with the goal of creating new opportunities and shared prosperity.

Thailand seeks to deepen its economic relationship with the United States based on “Partnership and Co-Creation,” with the aim of building a sustainable partnership that enables investment and business operations to grow over the long term.

Thailand is also working to advance the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States for tangible outcomes. To support this effort, Mrs. Suphajee is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C., for the third time this year to help advance the negotiations toward a conclusion. The key objective is to achieve a balanced outcome for both sides while delivering mutual benefits.