Thailand-Myanmar forum draws 700 to revive business ties
Thai and Myanmar businesses focus on border trade, investment rules and new opportunities as firms seek clearer conditions for cross-border deals
- Over 700 government and business representatives from Thailand and Myanmar attended a forum in Bangkok aimed at rebuilding commercial links.
- Key priorities discussed included reviving border trade, simplifying investment regulations, and improving transport connections between the two countries.
- The forum addressed existing business hurdles such as import controls and regulatory uncertainty, while also facilitating direct negotiations between companies.
More than 700 government, private-sector and economic representatives from Thailand and Myanmar gathered in Bangkok for a business forum aimed at rebuilding commercial links, with border trade, investment rules and new business opportunities emerging as key priorities.
The THAILAND-MYANMAR Business Forum 2026, held under the theme “A New Chapter in Thailand–Myanmar Business Partnership”, took place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on August 6 during the official visit to Thailand of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, President of Myanmar.
Pisanu Suvanajata, president of the Thailand-Myanmar Friendship Association, described the forum as an opportunity to reconnect businesses and economic institutions after a period of uncertainty and restrictions affecting trade, investment and cross-border travel. His English name spelling follows that previously used by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy in London.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Min Aung Hlaing delivered keynote addresses focusing on closer economic ties, improved border transport links and regulatory changes intended to make investment easier for businesses from both countries.
Both sides also signalled an intention to restore momentum in bilateral trade and investment during 2026, with transport connections and border areas viewed as important links between Thailand, Myanmar and the wider ASEAN and Mekong subregion.
Border trade returns to focus
Myanmar is Thailand’s 22nd-largest trading partner globally and seventh-largest within ASEAN, while Thailand ranks as the third-largest foreign investor in Myanmar, according to figures presented in connection with the forum.
Thai accumulated investment in Myanmar exceeds US$4.6 billion, or about 152.1 billion baht, covering more than 100 projects in energy, agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics and tourism.
Trade between the two countries includes natural gas and agricultural products moving from Myanmar to Thailand, while Myanmar imports industrial goods, machinery and consumer products from Thailand.
Attention has also turned to the Mae Sot-Myawaddy trade route after the Myawaddy Bridge 2 cargo checkpoint resumed operations on May 28 following a closure that began in August 2025. Myanmar also resumed processing import and export licences through the checkpoint.
Myanmar initially approved import licences for about 620 million baht worth of Thai goods through the crossing, including consumer products, food, daily necessities and manufacturing inputs. Myanmar exports moving through the route are mainly agricultural products.
Businesses nevertheless continue to face hurdles including import-licence procedures, foreign-exchange restrictions and uncertainty over transport routes. Thai trade officials have also identified Myanmar’s import controls as an issue that could affect cross-border trade flows.
Private-sector operators are therefore looking beyond the reopening of border crossings to clearer regulations, faster approval procedures and payment arrangements that can support cross-border transactions.
Investors seek practical business information
Sessions on business opportunities in Myanmar and a business clinic for prospective investors drew strong interest, with participants seeking current information on operating conditions rather than broad policy presentations.
Discussions centred on the regulatory environment, Thailand-Myanmar economic connectivity and emerging business opportunities. Government and private-sector representatives from both countries provided information intended to help companies assess potential sectors, investment structures and risks.
Those risks include political uncertainty, the financial system, exchange-rate volatility, import regulations and transport disruption, all of which can affect investment decisions and the movement of goods.
The forum also provided space for Thai companies already operating in Myanmar to meet Myanmar businesses interested in investing or expanding in Thailand. A number of participants arranged direct business negotiations during the event.
For companies considering further cross-border activity, the remaining issues are increasingly practical: clearer regulations, more predictable import approvals, workable payment systems and reliable transport links between the two countries.
Source: Bangkokbiznews
