He further encouraged Thailand to maximise existing cooperation frameworks with Japan, such as the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Natthaphong reaffirmed the party’s commitment to governing Thailand under the principle of “Lean and Clean Thailand”, saying Japanese investors can be confident that a People’s Party government would create an economic ecosystem that is transparent, open and fair to all businesses.
Dr Veerayooth then presented the People’s Party’s economic strategy, centred on “Look North”, a policy direction aimed at attracting investment and innovation partnerships from East Asian economies, including Japan.
He outlined the party’s Orange Megaprojects, focusing on major infrastructure investments to improve quality of life while stimulating the broader economy — including nationwide smart grid systems, waste management infrastructure and mass-transit expansion. These projects, he said, could provide new opportunities for Japanese companies to build fresh supply chains in Thailand.
Japanese representatives praised the party’s strategic economic framework as “excellent”, but voiced concerns about its feasibility, noting Japan’s unease about Thailand’s political stability and its inconsistent approach to balancing relations among major global powers.
Chaiwat Sathawornwichit, deputy leader for foreign affairs, assured the delegation that if the People’s Party forms the next government, it will govern with transparency, integrity and fairness for businesses of all nationalities. He also vowed to recalibrate Thailand’s foreign relations to achieve greater balance and strategic steadiness.
The meeting marks an important step in strengthening cooperation between the People’s Party and Japan’s business community. Both sides agreed to explore opportunities for sector-specific consultations in the future to reinforce and expand the long-standing relationship between Thailand and Japan.