19-11-2023 (SAN FRANCISCO) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand has acknowledged the challenge of attracting high-calibre Thai professionals working abroad back to their home country due to a lack of attractive job offers. However, he expressed optimism that the Land Bridge megaproject would serve as a compelling reason for them to reconsider returning to Thailand.
During a meeting with the Thai community in the US at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, Mr Srettha shared his aspirations for a stronger connection with Thai expatriates. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke provided a summary of the Prime Minister’s remarks from the gathering.
Mr Srettha openly admitted the current absence of enticing offers in Thailand to draw skilled Thais working overseas back home. He emphasized the need to enhance the country’s capabilities and promote its attractiveness on the global stage. Since assuming office, he has been actively engaging with various countries to address this challenge and promote investment in Thailand.
Addressing Thais in the US, the Prime Minister acknowledged the uncertainty some might feel about their stay abroad. Still, he highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life in Thailand, breaking free from the middle-income trap, and maximizing the nation’s potential.
Mr Srettha specifically pointed to the Land Bridge megaproject as a catalyst for boosting investor confidence and creating opportunities for the younger generation. Despite the project’s realization taking time, he believes it will discourage young people from migrating for work abroad, envisioning a better future at home.
The ambitious 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project aims to establish a logistics network connecting Ranong province along the Andaman Sea to Chumphon along the Gulf of Thailand. The project includes deep-water ports, a motorway, and a railway system, presenting an opportunity for foreign investment.
In addition to his efforts to engage with the Thai diaspora, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivered a speech titled “Interconnectedness and Building Inclusive and Resilient Economies” at the Apec Economic Leaders’ Retreat in San Francisco. During the speech, he reiterated Thailand’s commitment to multilateralism and Apec’s role amid global uncertainties.
Mr Srettha emphasized the priority of tackling climate change and advancing the Bangkok Goals on the Bio-circular and Green Economy. Apec, according to the Prime Minister, has made substantial progress this year, with over 280 projects aligning with the organization’s goals.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of open trade and investment for driving growth and prosperity. He urged Apec’s continued support for the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at its core, and called for sustained efforts on the Free Trade Area for Asia Pacific agenda work plan to promote regional economic integration.
