A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in 1932 led to a constitutional monarchy. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally following the conflict.

In the 25 years up to 1998 the Thai economy was transformed from a agri-based economy into one of the most diverse markets in South East Asia. Active promotion of foreign investment led to the development of an industrial sector, and an export oriented, labour-intensive manufacturing sector. In the 1990s the fastest growth was seen in the high technology goods sector, such as computer accessories, and motor vehicle parts.

There has been a dramatic turn around in Thailand since the South East Asian economic crisis hit in 1997. Thailand has won many plaudits from Western observers for the way it has handled its economy in the last three years, which have seen major steps taken towards recovery.

The welcoming approach of the Thai Government to foreign investors since 1997 has meant significant improvements in the climate for investment.

From Trade Partners UK and other sources

For more information on our Thailand affairs, please contact:
Frances Zwenig
Counselor covering Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam Affairs
fzwenig@usasean.org

In addition to our work through our Washington, DC headquarters, the Council also maintains a strong presence in Bangkok. For assistance, please contact:
Praab Pianskool
Representative, Bangkok Office
praab@usasean.org

July 16: Farewell Luncheon for Damrong Kraikruan, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand . Washington, DC. Contact: Anthony Nelson at anelson@usasean.org

more upcoming events

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more headline news

Roundtable and Luncheon in honor of
H.E. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs
H.E. Korn Chatikavanij, Minister of Finance,
Kingdom of Thailand

Washington, DC, April 24, 2009

Above: (Left to Right) Laura Hudson of Chevron, Minister Korn, Minister Kasit, and Manolo Aroyo of The Coca-Cola Company

The US-ASEAN Business Council in cooperation with the Asia Society organized a roundtable and luncheon in honor of H.E. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs and H.E. Korn Chatikavanij, Minister of Finance, on Friday, April 24 in Washington, DC. Council members heard the Ministers discuss economic issues and the political climate in Thailand.

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2009 Business Mission to Thailand

Above: The US-ASEAN Business Council's delegation met with Prime Ministers Abhisit Vejjajiva (right) at the Government House on March 4. US Ambassador to Thailand, Ambassador Eric John, accompanied the delegation (4th from right)

The US-ASEAN Business Council concluded its annual business mission to Thailand on March 4 th, 2009 after meeting cabinet officials, academics, and think tank officials over two and a half days. Twenty companies represented a cross section of industries. The twenty companies included: Abbott, AIG, APCO, Caterpillar, Chevron, The Coca-Cola Company, ConocoPhillips, Ford, GE, Guardian Industries Corp, JHPIEGO, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Microsoft, Monsanto, Pfizer, Philip Morris, Rockwell Collins, Time Warner, and UPS.

The mission was co-led by Laura Hudson, Chevron, and Frances Zwenig, US-ASEAN Business Council.

The mission discussed greater avenues for economic engagement between the United States and Thailand and issues of concern including customs, the overlapping claims area, the 301 priority watch list, intellectual property rights, and the political landscape in Thailand.

The Council’s message throughout its meetings was that industry would like to be consulted on regulations affecting business and that the private sector was open and happy to assist through trainings and workshops on any issues that the Government of Thailand requested.

For a press release from the mission, click here. For a full trip report of the mission, click here (Council members only).

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Policy Statement of the Government of Thailand delivered by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to the National Assembly on December 29, 2008

Click here for the statement.

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US-Thailand Business Committee
Chair:

Laura Hudson,
Chevron

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GDP: $519.9 billion (2007 est.)
GDP Growth Rate: 4.5% (2007 est.)

Export-Import
U.S. export to Thailand: $ 8.4 billion (2007)
U.S. import from Thailand: $ 22.8 billion (2007)

Currency Rate

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H.E. Krit Garnjana-Goonchorn
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United States

The Honorable Eric John
Ambassador of the United States to the Kingdom of Thailand

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Prime Minister Abhisit's Speech at the AMCHAM/US Chamber of Commerce Video Conference February 3, 2009