Global Business Briefing with His Excellency Tanee Sangrat, Ambassador of Thailand to the U.S.

On July 24, 2023, the Meridian Corporate Council hosted a Global Business Briefing with His Excellency Tanee Sangrat. The discussion, moderated by Kris Denzel, Manager – Government Affairs, Caterpillar Inc., covered key challenges and outcomes from Thailand’s host year of the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, as well as identifying opportunities to promote inclusive, sustainable, and secure growth in the region.

Ambassador Sangrat commenced his duty in Washington, DC in November 2022. He aims to strengthen the “ASP”: (1) US-Thai Alliance, (2) economic and cooperation in Sustainability, and (3) Thailand’s soft power and Participation of Thai American community. Marking the 190^th anniversary of US-Thai relations in 2023 is also high on his agenda. As MFA spokesperson and DG of Information Department from 2020-2022 and during Thailand’s APEC host year in 2022, Ambassador Sangrat oversaw national communication campaign and expanded the network with the private sector and other organizations to support the efforts. Ambassador Sangrat was instrumental in the establishment of Thailand’s national soft power committee, began Spokesman Live talk show, and initiated a transition from Saranrom Radio to YouTube MFA Thailand Channel. The Information Department also developed the Mottos and Strategic Communication Unit.

Thailand’s host year of the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum occurred at a challenging time as the world was still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it rose to this challenge by advocating for a more balanced and sustainable post-COVID-19 economy. The key drivers of this approach were 1) facilitating trade and investment through financial inclusion and a greater ease of doing business, 2) promoting the safe resumption of cross-border travel and tourism, and 3) exploring economic models which prioritize addressing climate change along with resilient and inclusive economic growth. International tourism is one of Thailand’s most significant industries for its economy, however this sector was significantly affected by the pandemic. Although Thailand enjoys a historic relationship with the U.S., China’s presence has been growing. Thailand recognizes the international importance of the U.S.-China relationship and highlights the need for cooperation and constructive dialogue between the two countries.