“พิมพ์ใจ” เปิดนโยบาย “5I” เดินหน้ายกระดับอุตสาหกรรมไทย สู่ Smart Industry“Pimjai” Unveils “5I” Policy to Elevate Thai Industry Towards Smart Industry

On Thursday, June 4, 2026, Ms. Pimjai Leeissaranukul, Chairperson of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), announced the FTI's administrative policy for the term 2026–2028 under the concept “The New Chapter of Thai Industry: Empowering Growth with 5I” to drive the Thai industrial sector towards greater competitiveness on the global stage amid rapidly changing global economic contexts including technology, geopolitics, the environment, and consumer behavior. She also introduced the FTI Board of Directors for the term 2026-2028, who will contribute to the significant missions of the FTI over the next 700 days in Meeting Room 802 (Passion), 8th Floor of the FTI.

The new administrative structure of the FTI emphasizes the integration of work among industry groups, provincial industrial councils, and networks of partners both domestically and internationally to enhance operational agility and effectively respond to the changes in the global economy.

Additionally, the FTI Board will jointly oversee and push forward the organization's key strategies, including the development of smart industries, promotion of innovation, international trade and investment, restructuring industrial infrastructure, and elevating Thai industry towards sustainable growth.

Ms. Pimjai stated that the management during this term will focus on more integrated and proactive work to enable the FTI to serve as a “center for collaboration within the Thai industrial sector” and a crucial mechanism in driving the country's economy.

The Thai industrial sector is facing challenges on multiple fronts, including intense competition, technological transitions, trade barriers, energy costs, and pressures from environmental standards and sustainability from around the world, all of which affect the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs, especially SMEs that need to quickly adapt.

The FTI has set out five key strategies to serve as a framework for operations throughout the term 2026–2028 as follows:
I1: Intelligent Industry
Elevating Thai industry with AI and Automation
The FTI will promote the adoption of digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), Automation & Robotics, and Data Analytics in the industrial sector to enhance production efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate Thai factories to Smart Factories and Smart OEMs. Additionally, it will support the use of Data-driven Manufacturing systems such as real-time data analysis, quality control through automation systems, and data linkage along the production line to improve decision-making accuracy and reduce losses in production processes.

Furthermore, it will advocate collaboration with the government and financial institutions to develop financial tools such as AI & Automation Transition Loans to assist entrepreneurs in investing in technology and transitioning to Smart Industry.

I2: Innovation & Creative Industry
Transitioning from OEM to Brand & IP
The FTI will expedite the restructuring of the Thai industry from dependence on contract manufacturing to creating added value through innovation, creativity, and intellectual property. It will advocate the Industry-driven R&D concept or allowing industries to set research objectives to ensure that technology development meets real commercial usage needs and bridge the gap between research and the industrial sector.

Moreover, it will integrate collaboration among the industrial sector, research institutes, universities, and funding sources to develop innovations in line with key goal agendas (Agenda-based Innovation), and promote future industries such as health and wellness, future food, biotechnology, and rail transport.

I3: International Alliance & Network
Propelling Thailand to a Global Supply Chain Hub
The FTI will leverage Thailand's strengths in location, infrastructure, and geopolitical neutrality to establish Thailand's role in the global supply chain. It will rapidly build strategic alliances with trading partner countries, investors, and international industry networks to expand trading opportunities and attract new investments into the country while promoting comprehensive supply chain integration at both domestic and regional levels.

At the same time, it will implement proactive market penetration enhancement policies to support Thai entrepreneurs in accessing foreign markets, increasing market shares, and reducing barriers to international business.

I4: Industrial Infrastructure Reform
Reforming Industrial Infrastructure
The FTI will push for the removal of structural limitations affecting the competitiveness of the Thai industrial sector in areas such as energy, laws, trade, and human capital. In energy, it will support the use of clean energy and increase options for access to reasonably priced energy, especially through Direct Power Purchase Agreements (Direct PPA) and green and clean energies to reduce the cost burden on entrepreneurs. In terms of law, it will advocate for the modernization of outdated regulations to reduce procedures and facilitate business operations.

Simultaneously, it will develop an early warning system for trade remedy measures using AI to monitor market dumping in advance and expedite trade protection measures to assist Thailand's industries against unfair competition while promoting the MiT Plus (Made in Thailand) policy to increase the share of Thai products used and elevate the domestic industrial supply chain. Furthermore, it will emphasize the development of human capital through upskilling/reskilling initiatives, collaboration with AI & Robotics, and attracting top global talents to support future industries.

I5: Inclusive Sustainability
Creating balanced and sustainable growth
The FTI will support the transition to low carbon production and a circular economy to enhance resource efficiency and reduce environmental impacts while promoting the adoption of ESG principles among entrepreneurs for greater transparency and long-term credibility.

Additionally, it will modernize FTI's database system and organizational structure to effectively support its members and promote collaboration and participation from all sectors to drive the Thai industrial sector continuously, inclusively, and sustainably.

Ms. Pimjai further stated, “5I” will serve as a key policy framework that interlinks the development of the Thai industry in all dimensions, including technology, innovation, trade, infrastructure, and sustainability, enabling the Thai industry to adapt effectively and remain competitive in the long term.

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Issued by the Corporate Communications Department, Federation of Thai Industries (Tel: 0-2345-1051)