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Varawut pushes tech transfer and quality investment for Thai SMEs

Varawut pushes tech transfer and quality investment for Thai SMEs

Khaosod•Economy•29m ago

Reader Briefing

Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa emphasizes quality investment and technology transfer to integrate Thai SMEs into global supply chains.

  • •Varawut Silpa-archa spoke at Spotlight Day 2026 during Sustainability Expo 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
  • •Investment promotion requests in the first half of 2026 totaled 1,299 projects valued at approximately 1.47 trillion baht.
  • •The Ministry of Industry aims to develop skills for over 100,000 workers to support advanced production and AI-driven industries.

Overview

  • •Varawut Silpa-archa stated that Thailand should use economic relations with various countries to increase options for markets, capital, and technology.
  • •Investment promotion requests in the first half of 2026 increased by 37% compared to the same period last year, with interest in digital, electronics, and processed agriculture sectors.
  • •Varawut Silpa-archa's guidelines prioritize quality investment, including technology transfer, R&D, and labor skill upgrades.
  • •Board of Investment data indicates projects approved in the first half of 2026 are expected to create over 82,000 jobs for Thai workers.
  • •Approved projects in the first half of 2026 are expected to use domestic raw materials worth approximately 386 billion baht per year.
  • •The Ministry of Industry is promoting Green Industry and Green Productivity to help factories optimize resource use and reduce environmental impact.
  • •Varawut Silpa-archa suggested that over the next 5–10 years, Thailand should develop its own products and innovation in AI, semiconductors, advanced electronics, robotics, and modern vehicles.

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Key Quotes

Varawut Silpa-archa
"For Thailand, which has approximately 3.31 million SMEs and employs around 13.65 million people in 2025, connecting this business group with investment projects is a key part in reducing the gap of K-shaped economic growth."
สำหรับไทยที่มีเอสเอ็มอีประมาณ 3.31 ล้านราย และจ้างงานราว 13.65 ล้านคนในปี 2568 การเชื่อมธุรกิจกลุ่มนี้กับโครงการลงทุนจึงเป็นส่วนสำคัญในการลดช่องว่างของเศรษฐกิจที่เติบโตแบบตัว K

Key Entities

Person

Varawut Silpa-archa(วราวุธ ศิลปอาชา)ℹ️
Minister of Industry who spoke at Spotlight Day 2026.

Organization

Ministry of Industry(กระทรวงอุตสาหกรรม)ℹ️
The government body promoting Green Industry and Green Productivity.
Board of Investment (BOI)(สำนักงานคณะกรรมการส่งเสริมการลงทุน (บีโอไอ))
The office providing data on approved investment promotion projects.

Place

Queen Sirikit National Convention Center(ศูนย์การประชุมแห่งชาติสิริกิติ์)ℹ️
The venue for Spotlight Day 2026.