Mr. Ekkapob Pianpises, Government Spokesperson, revealed that on October 12, 2026, Mr. Desmond Kuek, CEO of Temasek Trust, and Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, discussed strategies to enhance collaboration in philanthropy and sustainable development. The focus was on building partnerships between the public, private, and non-profit sectors to support pilot projects and innovations with potential for broader development.
The two sides exchanged ideas on the role of philanthropic funding in driving national development, stating that Thailand has the opportunity to create more structured cooperation mechanisms involving business and various organizations to support impactful and sustainable projects, moving beyond ad hoc aid or CSR activities. Temasek Trust expressed interest in partnering with the Thai government and businesses to develop scalable projects addressing social challenges.
In the energy sector, discussions included clean energy transition, increasing renewable energy proportion, and the potential of small modular nuclear reactors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Thailand emphasized the importance of policies suited to the nation’s context, including promoting clean energy and maximizing the use of existing resources. The adoption of new energy technologies must include safety considerations, waste management, and public understanding through accurate communication.
They also discussed regional energy cooperation among Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, utilizing each country’s strengths: Thailand’s land and renewable potential, Malaysia’s resources and infrastructure, and Singapore’s investment capacity. This aims to develop interconnected energy networks and strengthen regional energy security alongside cross-border infrastructure and supply chains.
Regarding investments in future industries, particularly data centers and AI-ready infrastructure, both parties agreed on the need to balance investment promotion with responsible resource management to meet public demand. The private sector should participate in infrastructure development and efficient energy use, ensuring economic growth aligns with environmental stewardship and societal benefit.
In public health, discussions focused on preparedness for emerging diseases, diagnostic systems, and local production capacity for medical supplies to better handle future crises. PM Anutin stressed financial readiness and health services to minimize impacts during crises, and supported shifting healthcare from treatment to prevention, especially for the aging population, aiming for self-reliance and healthier lives.
Temasek Trust shared its operational direction to support innovation and pilot projects with the government and private sector, with successful initiatives being scalable at national or regional levels. Energy, environment, and health challenges, they agreed, require cross-sector collaboration for sustainable solutions across Asia.
Additionally, Mr. Anutin met with Mr. Kishida Fumio, Japanese MP and former Prime Minister, during his visit to Thailand to discuss strengthening Thai-Japanese relations, especially in the automotive industry where Japanese investors play a major role. This continued commitment reflects Japanese business confidence in Thailand as a key regional manufacturing base.
Thailand prioritizes maintaining a robust automotive sector, especially concerning Japanese manufacturers, and acknowledged concerns regarding imported EVs potentially impacting domestic production. The Prime Minister explained excise tax measures for imported EVs and affirmed the government’s support for local EV production, maintaining legacy production bases while shifting towards future-oriented auto industries.
He also invited Japanese automakers to consider integrating Thailand into their EV supply chains, which would foster technology transfer, investment, and workforce development while securing Thailand’s production base and competitiveness.
On energy cooperation, both sides discussed supporting Thailand’s energy transition towards clean and efficient use, with Japan ready to deliver technology and know-how for developing renewable energy, improving efficiency, and supporting a sustainable low-carbon economy.
The Prime Minister also mentioned his prior stop in Japan before attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he met with Team Thailand to discuss and promote economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Thailand and Japan, underscoring the continued importance of the bilateral relationship.
