connecting business leaders to turn volatility into investment opportunities and drive resilient ASEAN growth
Connecting Business Leaders – Bangkok Bank President Chartsiri Sophonpanich and Executive Vice President Kobsak Pootrakool, together with Bloomberg TV reporter Avril Hong and Bloomberg Bangkok Bureau Chief Randy Thanthong-Knight, opened the discussion titled “Bloomberg Invest Bangkok: Growth in an Age of Turbulence.” Bangkok Bank was the principal sponsor of the event, which was organized by Bloomberg, a global financial and business news organization. The event brought together approximately 20 leaders from the business, financial, public and investment sectors, including representatives from IBM Thailand, Grab Thailand, The Siam Cement Public Company Limited, Banpu Public Company Limited, WHA Corporation Public Company Limited and Frasers Property Limited. Participants exchanged perspectives on the challenges and opportunities arising from global economic volatility, including changing policies and trade conditions, advances in artificial intelligence and geopolitical uncertainty. The discussion also explored the investment outlook and key factors expected to drive ASEAN’s next phase of growth. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow delivered the opening remarks, addressing the challenges and uncertainties facing the global political economy, as well as approaches ASEAN countries can adopt in response.
Bangkok Bank’s support for the event reflects its role as a “leading regional bank” committed to serving as a Regional Gateway for Investment under its “Connecting ASEAN” approach. Drawing on its branch network across nine ASEAN countries, international business expertise and strong relationships with customers and partners, the Bank is well positioned to support businesses in their cross-border expansion and investment activities. The event also coincided with an important period for Thailand as the country hosts the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, taking place from October 12–18, 2026. The meetings provide an opportunity to strengthen Thailand’s role and profile on the global economic stage while promoting resilient and sustainable long-term growth.
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