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Dear BCCT Members and Partners,
Building on a productive first quarter, the BCCT Policy Office is pleased to share highlights of our recent advocacy engagements (January–March 2026). Through targeted meetings with key Thai ministries and agencies, we have advanced discussions on workforce skills, sustainability, digital innovation, and economic policy – all critical to an enabling climate for British–Thai business. Our dialogue continues to strengthen BCCT’s role as a bridge between government and industry, ensuring member concerns inform Thailand’s policy direction.

BCCT will remain actively engaged with the new Cabinet and relevant agencies in 2Q 2026, pursuing reforms to ease business processes, promote high-impact trade and investment, support productivity and labour skills, and improve digital and regulatory clarity for investors. We also extend our sincere thanks to the BCCT Board of Directors and Delegates who have led these discussions – your leadership and insights are invaluable. We encourage members to share sector-specific issues and participate in BCCT working groups so our advocacy agenda reflects the priorities that matter most to you.

Enhancing Education & Innovation (MHESI)

In January, a BCCT delegation led by Chair Aime Pinyapa Somphong met with Prof. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. We exchanged views on Thailand’s 2026 priorities in education and research, and emphasized the need to align workforce development and international academic collaboration with industry needs. BCCT highlighted private-sector perspectives on applied research, digital upskilling, and sustainable industries, and agreed to explore joint initiatives with universities and UK–Thailand research networks.

• Meeting Focus: Align MHESI’s policy roadmap with BCCT priorities in STEM and digital skills.
• Discussion Points: 21st-century skills training, student mobility programs, industry–university research collaboration, and green technology innovation.
• Outcomes: Identified areas for cooperation on workforce upskilling (e.g. apprenticeship programs), STEM scholarships, and applied research projects; BCCT to share a policy brief on matching graduate skills to industry demand.

These efforts resonate with MHESI’s vision of strengthening education and skills development while using science and innovation as key drivers of national competitiveness. We look forward to building structured partnerships – for example, BCCT support for future career fairs or research symposiums – that connect Thai institutions with UK expertise.

Advancing Sustainability & Net-Zero (DCCE)

BCCT led a delegation (chaired by Vice Chair Nattinee Netraumpai) in a January meeting with the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE) under
Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich. The discussion focused on Thailand’s post-COP30 climate policy, particularly the implementation of the new Climate Change Act and carbon market mechanisms. We received updates on Thailand’s 2050 carbon-neutrality commitment and sectoral decarbonisation pathways (energy, transport, buildings). BCCT members raised practical questions on how businesses can engage with Thailand’s Net-Zero 2050 goal and voluntary carbon credit schemes. DCCE affirmed the need for private-sector input on clean energy and sustainable finance initiatives.

• Meeting Focus: Support Thailand’s transition to net-zero by 2050, aligning business investment with climate goals.
• Discussion Points: Progress on draft Climate Change Act (which will create an ETS, carbon tax/credit system and reporting requirements[2]), carbon market development, and incentives for green investment.
• Outcomes: Agreed to continue sharing industry case studies (e.g. from utilities and manufacturing) to inform carbon credit regulations. DCCE welcomed BCCT input for its upcoming public consultation on emissions trading. Both sides see long-term value in a formal public–private working group on climate solutions.
Thailand has now enshrined a commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065. The new Climate Change Act will further drive these goals by introducing carbon pricing instruments (ETS, carbon tax and credits) and a National Climate Fund.

Strengthening the Digital Economy (MDES & ETDA)

On 27 January, Chair Aime Pinyapa Somphong led a high-level BCCT delegation to meet Permanent Secretary Patchara Anuntasilpa and officials of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES). We discussed Thailand’s digital strategy, including regulatory clarity under the Digital Economy Act, investment in ICT infrastructure, and digital skills development. The MDES team outlined priorities such as advancing the Thailand 4.0 digital roadmap, enhancing e-government services, and building local talent for the future economy. BCCT underscored industry interest in transparent digital regulations (cybersecurity, data protection, platform services) to attract more foreign tech investment.

• Meeting Focus: Collaborate on Thailand’s digital economy framework to foster innovation and foreign participation.
• Discussion Points: Digital regulation (including platform services law), smart city and e-gov initiatives, and digital talent pipelines.
• Outcomes: MDES acknowledged BCCT’s suggestions on improving digital policy predictability. We agreed to facilitate private-sector case examples (e.g. e-permit systems, fintech trials) to help the ministry refine regulations. BCCT also committed to support MDES/ETDA’s outreach on the Electronic Transferable Records (ETR) framework, including public hearings in March 2026.

Thailand’s tech governance is increasingly focused on multi-stakeholder collaboration and digital skills. For example, the government recently launched a Thai AI Academy (in partnership with Microsoft) to train over one million Thais in AI and digital competencies. BCCT welcomes such initiatives and will work with MDES and ETDA to ensure UK experience in digital platforms and e-trade is shared – for instance, providing expert input on cross-border data flows and e-commerce standards. We appreciate MDES’s warm reception and see an active public–private dialogue ahead to support Thailand’s digital transformation.

Fiscal & Economic Policy (FPO, Ministry of Finance)

BCCT’s Policy Team also met with the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) of the Ministry of Finance on 28 January. Deputy Director-General Nadhavudh Dhamasiri and his team reviewed Thailand’s macroeconomic outlook, fiscal policy directions and financial sector developments relevant to BCCT members. We discussed the government’s fiscal framework – including tax reform efforts, investment incentives and post-pandemic recovery measures – and the integration of sustainability into finance (such as green bonds and taxonomies). The conversation provided valuable insight for members on Thailand’s policy assumptions for 2026.

• Discussion Points: Current growth and inflation forecasts, tax incentives (e.g. Qualified Refundable Tax Credit rollout), banking sector reforms, and fiscal support for ESG initiatives.
• Highlights: The FPO reaffirmed a ~2.0% GDP growth forecast for 2026, with tourism and domestic demand offsetting weaker exports[5]. Exports are projected to rise modestly, and headline inflation is expected to remain near 0.3%[5][6]. The ministry noted plans to align public investment with environmental goals (e.g. clean energy projects) as part of broader competitiveness strategies.
• Outcomes: BCCT provided feedback on how tax and visa policies affect foreign investment planning. The FPO welcomed our channel for industry input, especially in areas like digital taxation and fintech regulation. Follow-up is planned on specific proposals (such as refining long-term resident schemes) through BCCT’s Legal & Taxation Working Group.

These discussions help our members anticipate policy trends and voice concerns early. We thank Deputy Director-General Dhamasiri and his team for a constructive meeting. We will continue to engage on matters such as the global minimum tax implementation and new climate-linked fiscal measures, ensuring BCCT members can plan confidently under evolving policies.

International Collaboration (Royal Thai Embassy in London, Thailand Board of Investment Paris Office)

BCCT Chair, Aime Pinyapa Somphong, Vice Chair Gareth Davies and Executive Director Greg Watkins led the delegation of BCCT members to attend the Second Joint Roundtable and Networking Reception with and hosted by the Royal Thai Embassy in London on 18th March. In addition to H.E. the Thai Ambassador, main speakers were from the Thailand Board of Investment Paris Office and the Office of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. With a focus on Education at the roundtable, BCCT members and guests noted the importance of swift progress to liberalise regulation and cut through bureaucratic red-tape in tertiary and vocational education.

Looking Ahead – 2Q 2026 Priorities

• Engage the New Government: We will proactively liaise with the incoming cabinet and agencies to advance business-friendly reforms.
• Ease of Doing Business: Continue advocating for streamlined regulations, digital processes (e.g. e-permits, single-window systems) and clearer rules on labour mobility (visas and work permits).
• Trade & Investment: Work with relevant ministries (Commerce, BOI, EEC, etc.) to promote UK investment in Thailand’s high-potential sectors (tech, healthcare, green industries) and to facilitate Thailand’s export diversification.
• Productivity & Skills: Support policy measures that boost labour productivity and address skill gaps – including upskilling initiatives in IT, AI, and green tech, aligning with national strategies on future industries.
• Digitalisation: Advocate for predictable digital policy (data protection, platform governance, electronic documents) to give confidence to UK tech firms and innovators operating in Thailand.
• Sustainability: Encourage Thailand’s transition to Net-Zero with feasible timelines and incentives for private investment in clean energy and carbon reduction technologies.

Thank You & Stay Connected

The BCCT Policy Office extends heartfelt appreciation to our Board of Directors and Policy Delegates for their active participation in these meetings. Special thanks go to each delegate who represented the Chamber, as well as to government counterparts for their time and openness.

Together, we are strengthening the British–Thai partnership and paving the way for sustainable business growth.
________________________________________
BCCT Policy Manager: Thitipa Laxanaphisuth
Email: thitipa@bccthai.com Website: www.bccthai.com |
LinkedIn: British Chamber of Commerce Thailand | Facebook: BCCT Thailand

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