Anutin to pitch Thailand as ASEAN trade hub at UN

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says he will use this week's UN General Assembly in New York to put Thailand "on the world's radar" and present the country as a future trade and economic centre for ASEAN.

Speaking after joining the general debate at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters on 22 September, Anutin said his three-day visit would include meetings with foreign leaders, private-sector representatives, business councils and investors.

The prime minister, who is also interior minister, said the meetings were intended to build greater confidence in Thailand among international partners. Although Thailand was already well known overseas, he said the focus would be on partnership and the country's readiness across a range of areas.

That includes Thailand's potential role in goods distribution and manufacturing, with the country ready to receive investment, he said.

Meetings with leaders and investors

He is due to address the UN General Assembly on 24 September, when he plans to outline Thailand's future direction and its ambition to become a regional ASEAN trade and economic hub.

The prime minister will also present Thailand's efforts to adapt to new global rules, including an energy transition, for which he said the country was prepared.

OECD membership also on agenda

Anutin said Thailand was also ready to become a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD.

He said OECD membership would bring Thailand greater international recognition and help strengthen cooperation with other countries, adding that Thailand was not inferior to other nations.

Thailand has long positioned itself as a production base and distribution point within mainland Southeast Asia, serving regional markets through its transport, industrial and export networks. Anutin's UN appearance is intended to reinforce that message directly to governments and international investors.

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24 September 2026