Industry titans look for continuity

New administration has limited time to propose new projects

- NARUMON KASEMSUK NUNTAWUN POLKUAMDEE LAMONPHET APISITNIRAN

With Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, elected as the new prime minister by parliament yesterday, industry leaders have highlighted priorities for the government to strengthen economic growth, digital competitiveness, tourism and investor confidence.

TEAMWORK NEEDED

Thailand badly needs a prime minister to lead the country and work with groups to help navigate challenges that have slowed economic growth, said Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, group chief executive of WHA Corporation Plc, which operates industrial estates, logistics, utilities and digital platforms.

"The new prime minister must be able to work effectively as part of a team," said Ms Jareeporn.

A team of capable persons is needed in the new government, though there is limited time to run the country before the House is dissolved, she said.

The Thai-Cambodian territorial dispute is dealing a blow to the economy, said Ms Jareeporn.

According to the Federation of Thai Industries, the months-long conflict was among the negative factors that dented business confidence, causing the Thai Industries Sentiment Index to decrease to 86.6 points in July, the lowest level since October 2024.

The index tallied 87.7 points in June when the dispute stalled border trade and sparked concerns among local manufacturers unsure of the amount of time it would take to settle the skirmish.

Thailand is also struggling to deal with an economic slowdown and the impact of the US's 19% reciprocal tariff, said Ms Jareeporn.

"If the new government does not address these issues, the Thai economy will slow further next year," she said.

"Though it has a short time in office, I believe the new government can still do many things to support and drive forward the economy."

Foreign investors are waiting to see what new investment policies will be launched by the new government, said Ms Jareeporn.

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