Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow delivered the opening remarks at the second Thailand - Philippines Business Forum on 25 July 2026 at Dusit Thani Manila.

Organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Manila, the forum was held under the theme “Forging a New Era of Economic Partnership.”

In his opening address, the Deputy Prime Minister referred to the discussions at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, which reflected regional concerns over growing economic and geopolitical uncertainties. 

He emphasized that Thailand is advancing its Economic Diplomacy policy to diversify risks and expand into new markets and investment opportunities. The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the Philippines as a market with strong potential, while noting that Thailand’s private sector possesses strengths across a wide range of industries, creating significant opportunities to deepen bilateral trade and investment. 

More than 25 leading Thai companies participated in the forum, and several agreements were signed between Thai and Philippine private - sector partners, paving the way for tangible business cooperation and mutually beneficial (win-win) partnerships. He also underscored the vital role of the private sector in translating these agreements into concrete outcomes.

The forum brought together around 120 representatives from the public and private sectors of Thailand and the Philippines, representing agribusiness, energy, logistics, healthcare and medical services, startups, and manufacturing industries. 

Nine business cooperation documents were signed, covering the areas of energy, startups, and the defense industry. A business matching session was also organized to foster networking and further strengthen business partnerships between the private sectors of the two countries.