Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul welcomed Fumio Kishida, a member of Japan's House of Representatives from the Liberal Democratic Party and a former prime minister, at Government House, recently.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties, protecting Thailand's domestic automotive manufacturing base amid the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), and advancing clean-energy cooperation, with particular attention to the future of Thailand's automotive industry and its role in Japanese manufacturers' EV supply chains.

Government spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises stated that the two leaders also highlighted the close relationship between the Thai and Japanese royal families. He cited Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya's participation in the Asian Games and the Prime Minister's recent meeting with the Japanese Crown Prince at the royal funeral of King Harald V of Norway. Both sides look forward to celebrating the 140th anniversary of Thai-Japanese diplomatic relations in 2027.

On economic and industrial cooperation, Anutin addressed Japanese concerns about the impact of imported EVs on Thailand's domestic automotive sector. He explained the government's excise tax measures for imported EVs and reaffirmed Thailand's support for domestic EV production while protecting the traditional automotive industry. The discussion reflected Thailand's efforts to manage the transition to electric mobility while maintaining the role of its established automotive manufacturing sector.

The Prime Minister invited Japanese automakers to include Thailand in their future EV supply chains, emphasising that continued investment and technology transfer would help preserve local jobs and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Thailand's automotive industry. The invitation also highlighted the importance of continued Japanese investment in Thailand as manufacturers adjust their production strategies to accommodate the shift towards electric vehicles.

The discussion also addressed energy security and the transition to a low-carbon economy. The Japanese delegation expressed its readiness to provide clean-energy technology and support Thailand's efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This cooperation could complement Thailand's automotive transition by supporting the development and use of technologies associated with cleaner energy.

The meeting concluded with the Prime Minister recalling his recent stop in Japan to meet with ''Team Thailand'' before attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He highlighted the Thai government's ongoing commitment to its strategic and economic partnership with Japan, including cooperation on automotive manufacturing, electric vehicles, investment and clean energy.