At the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held discussions with Stefan Oelrich, Board Member of Bayer AG and Head of its Pharmaceuticals Division. The meeting highlighted shared commitments to developing Thailand’s health and agriculture sectors.
The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s focus on promoting agricultural innovation, particularly for key crops like rice and corn, through advanced seed development and productivity-enhancing technologies. In healthcare, she outlined policies aimed at expanding access to medical services, including the "30 Baht Universal Healthcare" program. This initiative aligns with Bayer’s expertise in healthcare and agriculture, creating opportunities for collaboration in research, innovation, and sustainability.
Paetongtarn also highlighted Thailand’s broader economic development goals, including preparing its workforce for future industries such as AI. She stressed the importance of upskilling and reskilling young people to support emerging sectors while ensuring improved living standards through initiatives like the “Baan Pheu Khon Thai” affordable housing program.
Oelrich expressed confidence in Thailand’s economic potential and praised the Prime Minister’s emphasis on investing in human capital. He reiterated Bayer’s commitment to advancing healthcare and agriculture innovation in Thailand. He noted Bayer’s pioneering work in areas like cell biology and AI, which are poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery and improve patient access to cutting-edge treatments. Bayer is also committed to helping Thai farmers increase productivity and income through advanced agricultural technologies.
Bayer, a global leader in life sciences with a mission of “Health for all, Hunger for none,” has operated in Thailand for over 62 years. With seven facilities, including offices, manufacturing plants, and research centers, Bayer employs more than 1,500 people in Thailand. The company remains committed to sustainable development and fostering innovation to address the needs of patients and farmers worldwide.
