Launching the Campaign “Unbeatable Thailand, Unparalleled Opportunities”

(08/03/2012)

The Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) has started a major campaign to enhance Thailand’s image as one of Asia’s key investment and tourist destinations. The campaign “Unbeatable Thailand, Unparalleled Opportunities” was launched during the official working visit to Japan by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from 6 to 9 March 2012. For the first time in Thailand’s recent history, the campaign has brought out one of the country’s renowned symbols “Thai Fighting Spirit of Muay Thai,” to express the indomitable spirit of Thais and their ability to overcome all challenges. Industry Minister M.R. Pongsvas Svasti explained that that key message BOI wanted to convey to investors was that the fighting spirit is embedded in the DNA of all Thais. The campaign emphasizes not only the strong spirit of the Thai people and Thailand, but also the country’s incomparable key strengths, such as its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, cost-effective workforce, strong economic fundamentals, and diverse resources. He pointed out that these key strengths are evident and make Thailand an unbeatable investment destination that offers unparalleled opportunities in trade and investment. BOI Secretary General Atchaka Sibunruang stated that the new campaign was launched on an international scale for the first time in Japan, as well. She said that BOI had received a positive response from Japanese investors participating in its seminar under the campaign, both in Tokyo and Nagoya. After Japan, BOI will organize more road shows in other countries, such as the Republic of Korea and China. These road shows will be headed by Prime Minister Yingluck and they will demonstrate Thailand’s firm commitment to further strengthening relations with those countries and ensuring investor confidence in Thailand. BOI earlier met members of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand to share with them the most recent policies and actions taken by the Government to boost investor confidence. For instance, immediate measures have been introduced to help mitigate natural disaster impacts on businesses and bring them quick recovery. In January 2012 alone, BOI received 80 applications from foreign investors for BOI promotional privileges. These applications, worth 25 billion baht in value, represent an increase of 19.4 percent over the same period of 2011. Japan remains the largest group of foreign investors in Thailand, followed by the United States, Switzerland, and Singapore.