The Thai delegation, led by H.E. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand, comprising H.E. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other Ministers from the Ministries of Commerce, Digital Economy and Society, Finance and Agriculture and Cooperatives, participated in the 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) during 20 – 24 January 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, under the theme, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”.

At this year’s gathering of leading government, business and media leaders, the Thai delegation aimed to demonstrate Thailand’s strategic location as a regional hub in such areas as logistics, as well as her strengths and potential in the area of soft power and the agri-food industry. Prime Minister Paetongtarn opened the Thailand Reception, themed “Nourishing the Future for all” to showcase innovation and distinction through especially selected dishes prepared by world famous Thai chefs for over 700 participants. The potential of the Thai food industry in enhancing food security and Thai cuisine in promoting health was fully featured. The Thai delegation, which included the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, also met with the WEF team and representatives of the Thai private sector to discuss opportunities for establishing a Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) on agro-food technology in Thailand aimed at cementing the country’s leadership in sustainable agriculture. Thailand’s soft power was further showcased in a conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn and Yana Peel, Global Head of Arts and Culture for Chanel, in a Betazone event titled “Not Losing Sight of Soft Power”, where the Prime Minister shared her vision and direction for developing Thailand’s 13 soft power industries.

On the sidelines of the WEF this year, the Prime Minister also attended a signing ceremony for the recently concluded free trade agreement between Thailand and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, which represents Thailand’s first free trade agreement with a bloc of European countries. The Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with a number of leaders from various countries as well as CEOs of leading businesses to explore further collaboration and investment prospects for Thailand.