The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has unveiled plans to attract more Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to Thailand by facilitating business partnerships and improving access to financial support from Thai commercial banks.
Veerachai Monsintorn, vice-chairman of the FTI and chairman of the Thai-Chinese Economic and Investment Institute, said a roadshow campaign will be launched to stimulate investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
The campaign will serve as a platform for Chinese entrepreneurs to connect with Thai companies and explore joint ventures.
"The FTI expects to attract Chinese SMEs that want to invest in Thailand and seek partnerships with Thai firms," Mr Veerachai said.
To enable smoother financial integration, the FTI is working with the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), which includes the Thai Bankers' Association and the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
The JSCCIB is expected to facilitate business matching programmes and connect international investors with local financial institutions, he said.
This role is important as many Chinese SMEs remain unfamiliar with Thailand's banking system and struggle to secure loans, said Mr Veerachai.
The FTI has also engaged with Amata Corporation, a Thai industrial estate developer, which is expanding its second-phase Chinese Industrial Estate to accommodate investors from China.
This collaboration is expected to provide a structured environment for Chinese businesses, making regulatory oversight more efficient and transparent.
Chinese investment in Thailand has been steadily increasing, particularly in the EEC, where large-scale projects in electric vehicles, smart electronics and renewable energy are reshaping the country's industrial landscape.
However, some challenges remain, as Chinese firms have reportedly used Thai nominee shareholders to operate outside designated industrial zones, raising concerns about regulatory compliance.
Mr Veerachai said the roadshow will encourage legitimate investment practices and help distance reputable Chinese SMEs from the negative image associated with "grey Chinese" groups linked to illicit activities.
