09/05/2026
𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲
“The world is no longer operating under the old rules.”
At the annual networking dinner hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce – Thailand, Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool — prominent economist, former Minister, Senior Executive Vice President of Bangkok Bank, and Chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations (FETCO) — shared compelling insights on the rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic landscape shaping Asia and the world.
Dr. Kobsak highlighted that the post-COVID era is not a temporary disruption, but the beginning of a prolonged period of strategic uncertainty, intensifying superpower rivalry, and structural transformation of the global economy. The emerging “new phase” is being driven by geopolitical tensions, fragmented globalization, technology disruption, climate transition, and the rise of a new multipolar world order.
At the center of this transformation is the growing US-China strategic competition, extending beyond trade into technology, finance, geopolitics, and security. Yet amid these global shifts, ASEAN and Thailand are increasingly positioned as potential beneficiaries of supply chain diversification, rising foreign direct investment, and industrial transformation.
The discussion also underscored the importance of resilience, adaptability, and forward-looking leadership. As industries evolve through AI, robotics, digital infrastructure, and clean technologies, businesses and governments must move decisively to navigate risks while capturing emerging opportunities.
A timely and thought-provoking discussion on the future of the regional and global economy.
