Saha Group Chairman Urges Long-Term Infrastructure Focus Amid Economic Slowdown
Saha Group Chairman Boonsithi Chokwatana is urging the government to prioritize long-term infrastructure development over short-term strategies, citing insufficient current investment in critical projects. He specifically highlighted the need for accelerated progress on large-scale initiatives such as high-speed rail networks and the proposed Land Bridge project.
“Infrastructure investment must proceed quickly and must be free from corruption,” Mr. Boonsithi emphasized, underscoring the importance of transparency and efficiency in these vital undertakings.
Investor Confidence and Shifting Investment Patterns
Despite broader economic headwinds, Mr. Boonsithi noted that the current administration is demonstrating improved performance compared to its predecessors, a sentiment he believes is reflected in growing investor confidence and a positive rebound in the Thai stock market. However, he observed a notable shift in foreign investment trends, acknowledging a slowdown in Japanese investment while noting a significant increase from Chinese investors.
He elaborated on this trend, explaining that Chinese investors tend to commit larger capital outlays per investment phase. “For example, Chinese investors may purchase hundreds of rai of land at once, while Japanese investors might acquire only 10-20 rai per transaction,” Mr. Boonsithi stated, illustrating the scale of Chinese investment commitments.
Economic Outlook and Currency Concerns
Addressing currency fluctuations, Mr. Boonsithi advised the government to carefully manage the appreciation of the Thai baht, suggesting that a rate of 35 baht per US dollar is beneficial for export competitiveness. The company itself is committed to maintaining current product prices for as long as feasible.
Acknowledging that Thailand’s economic growth is currently trailing behind that of Vietnam and Indonesia, Mr. Boonsithi pointed out that Thailand possesses a more substantial economic foundation. Official projections indicate a 2% economic growth rate for Thailand this year, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council. The World Bank forecasts Thailand’s economy to grow by 1.6% in 2026, while projecting a robust 6.8% growth for Vietnam in the same year.
Upcoming Saha Group Fair and Strategic Partnerships
Looking ahead, Saha Group is preparing to host the 30th Saha Group Fair and Fest from June 25-28 at Bitec Bangna. Thamarat Chokwatana, President and Executive Chairman of ICC International Plc, announced that the event will feature the signing of approximately 20 memorandums of understanding and agreements across diverse sectors. These include technology and artificial intelligence, trading and marketing, healthcare, real estate, education, and lifestyle.
In the real estate domain, a significant collaboration is anticipated between Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Plc, Tokyu Corporation, and Saha Tokyu Corporation Co Ltd. The companies are expected to partner on land development in the Si Racha district of Chon Buri province. This initiative aims to support urban expansion and bolster investment within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) framework.
