Pattani, June 2, 2025— Assistant Professor Dr. Anwar Koma and Associate Professor Ekkarin Tuansiri, both from the Faculty of Political Science, Prince of Songkla University (PSU), served as moderators at a high-level meeting titled “Exploring Business and Investment Opportunities in Southern Thailand and Riyadh.” The event was held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at CS Pattani Hotel, and was convened by the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC).
The meeting brought together 60 participants, including Mr. Mansour Al-Ajmi, Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce; presidents of the Chambers of Commerce from Thailand’s five southernmost provinces; and the President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Pattani Office. The dialogue was chaired by Mr. Nantapong Suwannarat, Deputy Secretary-General of SBPAC.
The primary aim of the meeting was to explore feasible business and investment opportunities between Riyadh and Southern Thailand, with a focus on developing tangible partnerships that contribute to regional economic development and cross-border commercial collaboration. The presence of both academic and business stakeholders underscores a growing emphasis on integrating policy, research, and enterprise in the region.
As moderators, Asst. Prof. Dr. Anwar Koma and Assoc. Prof. Ekkarin Tuansiri facilitated cross-sectoral dialogue, ensured productive exchanges, and helped align shared interests among participants. Their involvement reflects PSU’s ongoing commitment to contributing academic expertise to real-world challenges and fostering regional cooperation.
Meeting Summary:
Mr. Mansour Al-Ajmi presented remarks concerning potential collaboration areas. He noted that the Riyadh Chamber represents approximately 500,000 members across various industries, including a women’s business group. His proposals focused on bilateral cooperation, stating that while technology facilitates negotiations, a structured organizational approach is necessary for effective collaboration.
A connection between Southern Thailand and Saudi Arabia was established through this meeting. The participation of the five provincial chambers of commerce was observed as contributing to this development, with potential implications for business community growth and new opportunities.
Key points presented by Mr. Mansour included:
- Addressing concerns among entrepreneurs in the three southern border provinces regarding investment in Riyadh.
- The feasibility of local and international business design and development.
- The significance of financial and travel support in developing new business opportunities.
- Reference to business transactions between Thai and Saudi entrepreneurs in 2022.
- The importance of mutual trust and verbal agreements in initial business dealings, with contracts to follow.
- Plans for compiling and transmitting business-related documents and data from Southern Thailand to the Riyadh Chamber.
- Invitations for Saudi entrepreneurs to attend product exhibitions in Thailand, and for Thai entrepreneurs to participate in trade shows in Saudi Arabia.
- Future plans for a Riyadh Chamber representative office in Bangkok.
Points discussed during the forum also included:
- Exploration of business opportunities in Satun province, specifically in the Medical Hub and Halal Medical Hub sectors.
- Tourism development, taking into account the regional airport.
- Durian exports as an identified business opportunity.
- Potential for bio superfruit and food processing industries.
- The availability of a large local labor force.
- Processed rubberwood furniture and other rubber-based products.
- Creative economy sectors.
- Women’s apparel as a product category with market potential.
- The requirement for business consultation and support from Riyadh.
- The need for clarity on Saudi regulations.
- A suggestion to begin by selecting a number of quality producers for initial market entry, with examples including latex pillows, pet food, and cat food.
The president of the Yala Chamber of Commerce proposed the establishment of a factory in Yala province, citing the local labor availability. From Narathiwat, tourism development was a key area of discussion.
Additional points from the discussion included:
- The relevance of establishing a business database for direct implementation.
- The process of identifying and connecting suitable partners.
- The role of health-related businesses, particularly the Medical Hub concept, as exemplified by Songkhla Province.
A proposal was made for the Chambers of Commerce from all five provinces, in conjunction with SBPAC, to coordinate directly with the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce to enhance operational efficiency.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting:
- Mr. Al-Ajmi emphasized bilateral cooperation, proposing data sharing, exhibition exchange, and the establishment of a Riyadh Chamber representative office in Bangkok.
- Opportunities were identified in sectors such as medical hubs, halal industries, durian export, creative economy, and processed rubber products.
- Thai stakeholders stressed the importance of trust-based business engagement, local partner matchmaking, and clarity regarding Saudi regulations.
- A coordinated working group was proposed to link SBPAC, the five provincial chambers, and the Riyadh Chamber for future collaboration.
This event marks a significant step in strengthening Thai–Saudi economic ties and highlights PSU’s academic role in high-level international dialogues. The meeting summary was compiled by Assoc. Prof. Ekkarin Tuansiri.
