Thai-Finnish Chamber of Commerce - TFCC

12/06/2026

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40067322

Announcement: Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Krom Luang Rajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita has passed away

12/06/2026

The Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) celebrated its 50th Anniversary by organizing the Prime Minister Luncheon at the Athenee Hotel.

At this event, His Excellency Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand underlined the importance of the event. According to him, the PM Luncheon serves as an indispensable bridge between global commerce and the Kingdom of Thailand. 🇹🇭✨

​Prime Minister also confirmed that Thailand remains firmly committed to building a stable, resilient, and innovation-driven green economy.

​According to Mr. Anutin, Thailand's main focus areas are:

To ​foster Innovation: Transforming Thailand's industries through structural change and a future-ready workforce.

​To welcome Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Continuously improving the ease of doing business to ensure Thailand remains trusted, long-term strategic partner for all JFCCT members and beyond.

​To drive Shared Prosperity: Collaborating with international businesses to bring cutting-edge technology and specialized expertise to the region. 💼🌐

​​

11/06/2026

We invite you to join us for our Midsummer Party—an evening of networking and celebration at the legendary Bourbon Street Restaurant & Oyster Bar.

🌟 A Special Venue with Rich History 🌟

This year, we are ecstatic to meet up at the Bourbon Street Restaurant & Oyster Bar. Established in 1986, this landmark venue is famous for bringing the lively spirit of New Orleans to the heart of Bangkok.

🍲 Taste the Flavors of Louisiana 🍲

Experience authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, featuring signature dishes such as Jambalaya, Gumbo, and freshly shucked oysters. It is the perfect setting to unwind together.

Event Details:

- Date: Friday, 19 June
- Time: 5:00 PM onwards
- Location: Bourbon Street Restaurant & Oyster Bar
- Address: Ekkamai Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Khlong Toei, Bangkok (just a few minute walk from BTS Ekkamai)

Please note that this is a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) event.

RSVP:
Please confirm your attendance by replying to this email.

We look forward to celebrating midsummer with you!

05/06/2026

🔶 Thailand's Path to the OECD: A Strategic Pivot for Nordic Trade 🔶

The OECD is widely recognised as the global benchmark for open-market economics and regulatory transparency, yet no ASEAN nation is currently a formal member.

🔸The 2028 Membership Mandate
At the 2026 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris, Finland's Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Ville Tavio, met with Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Finland formally pledged support for Thailand's ambition to achieve full membership in the OECD by 2028.

🔸The ASEAN Landscape
Across ASEAN, approaches to integration vary. Singapore collaborates closely but bypasses official membership, while Indonesia sits marginally ahead in its accession roadmap. This requires Thailand to maintain sustained momentum to become one of the region's pioneering members.

🔸Structural Reforms and Digital Compliance
Attaining OECD status is a strategic necessity for Thailand to overcome the middle-income trap and secure foreign direct investment. To accelerate this transition, the government is using artificial intelligence under the TH2OECD project to identify regulatory gaps and align national laws with OECD benchmarks.
While these modern compliance tools and the 2028 target are strong drivers, the legislative changes will require a longer-term structural transition. Reaching these international standards demands firm political resolve to enact reforms, specifically:
✪ Modernising labour frameworks
✪ Ensuring fair market competition
✪ Applying strict anti-corruption protocols
✪ Enforcing environmental compliance, including the Thai Clean Air Act

🔸 Strengthening the Commercial Corridor
Alongside OECD ambitions, both nations reaffirmed their dedication to the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement and to expanding cross-border start-up networks. For the Thai-Finnish commercial corridor, these regulatory upgrades signal a move towards a more robust and predictable investment climate.

📸 Pictured: Ministerial discussions in Paris. Sihasak Phuangketkeow (left) and Ville Tavio (right) reaffirm Thai-Finnish cooperation towards Thailand's 2028 OECD membership. Photo courtesy of the Embassy of Finland in Bangkok.
🔗 Link to the official statement in the comments below.

26/05/2026

Thai airlines have been struggling to absorb rising jet fuel costs during the summer period, with the energy expense expense increasing from 30-35% of operational costs to 60% in May.



https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3259634/thai-airlines-grapple-with-jet-fuel-surge?

Despite increased airfares, airlines have been unable to absorb rising jet fuel costs during the summer period, with this expense increasing from 30-35% of operational costs to 60% in May.

26/05/2026

NEW DATE!

As announced earlier, the Prime Minister’s Address Luncheon 2026 has been rescheduled to Friday, 12 June 2026.

Updated Event Details:
- Date: Friday, 12 June 2026
- Time: 09:30–14:00 hrs.
- Venue: Crystal Hall, 3rd Floor, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok

All existing registrations, table reservations, and sponsorships remain valid for the new date. While the Office of the Prime Minister has confirmed this schedule, please note that should any further unforeseen government obligations arise, a senior representative will attend on behalf of the Government of Thailand rather than seeking another postponement.

Due to this change, please get more information and confirm your attendance by sending your confirmation to [email protected].

24/05/2026

URGENT UPDATE!

Please be advised that the upcoming Prime Minister's Luncheon has been rescheduled. We just received the following announcement from the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT), the main organizer:

"On behalf of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT), we extend our sincere thanks for your continued support. We were formally notified by the Office of the Prime Minister that, due to urgent Royal commitments, His Excellency has requested the luncheon be rescheduled to ensure his personal attendance and engagement with the international business community."

Updated Event Details:

- Date: Friday, 12 June 2026
- Time: 9:30 – 14:00
- Venue: Crystal Hall, 3rd Floor, The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok

All existing registrations remain valid for the new date. The Office of the Prime Minister has confirmed this new schedule, and we do not anticipate further changes. Should unforeseen government obligations arise, a senior representative will attend on behalf of the Government of Thailand.

Thank you for your continued support and participation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].

15/05/2026

🌟 Clearing the Path: From Quiet Dialogue to a Decisive Mandate 🌟

Today’s 611-to-3 parliamentary vote to revive 34 pending bills, including the landmark Clean Air Bill, represents a significant procedural step for Thailand.

The TFCC and JFCCT have long monitored these developments, and we welcome this clear signal of legislative continuity. While the journey of 'clearing the air' is primarily a domestic priority, it aligns closely with the principles of stability and transparency that the international business community values.

As the process moves forward, we see a balanced road ahead:
✅ The Opportunity: By securing this continuity, Thailand provides a more predictable roadmap, helping international investors to plan for long-term commitments in green infrastructure.
⚠️ The Challenge: As these bills enter the scrutiny phase, the focus must remain on ensuring that implementation is pragmatic and evidence-based, protecting regional competitiveness while improving public health.

The TFCC and JFCCT remain supportive stakeholders in this ongoing dialogue, advocating for a transition that is both economically viable and environmentally essential.

Read our recent analysis: 🔗 https://thaifin.org/quiet-consensus-strategic-impact/