สภาอุตสาหกรรมภาคกลางประชุมคณะกรรมการ เดินหน้าขับเคลื่อนนโยบาย ส.อ.ท. สู่ภูมิภาคCentral Industrial Council Holds Meeting to Advance FTI Policies in the Region

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, the Central Industrial Council convened its first meeting of 2026, presided over by Mrs. Pimjai Leeissaranukul, Chairwoman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), along with the Vice Presidents and the FTI Executive Committee. The gathering aimed to convey the policies and operational directions of FTI for the years 2026 to 2028, engage in discussions, and collect suggestions from representatives of 17 provincial industrial councils in the central region at Chao Heng Noodle Factory Co., Ltd. in Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom.

During the meeting, Ms. Pawadee Sutthawiwat, Chairwoman of the Central Industrial Council, welcomed the committee members and emphasized the role of the Central Industrial Council as a mechanism to link operations between the central office and provincial industrial councils, aiming to translate FTI policies into concrete actions while reflecting issues, needs, and suggestions from the field to inform policy advancement.

On this occasion, Mrs. Pimjai shared the operational policies of FTI under the 5I strategy, which aims to enhance the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs, boost competitive potential, promote the application of technology, innovation, and human resource development, alongside fostering collaboration between the government, private sector, and educational institutions to adapt to future economic and industrial changes.

Subsequently, the meeting received a presentation on the operational plans of the provincial industrial council support department by Mr. Phairat Uechuyot, FTI Vice President and Chair of the department, who communicated the direction of the department's work and invited the Central Industrial Council to propose sites for the "Connecting Local Councils" activities to create a platform for engaging members, listening to issues, and fostering closer cooperation between the central office, regions, and provinces.

Additionally, Mr. Narongrit Panichchiva, FTI Vice President and Chair of the Membership Relations Department, presented member benefits and services, along with a proposal for establishing a regional planning committee by Mr. Sarawut Sa-nguanphao, FTI Vice President, to promote industrial involvement in regional development, and presented financing benefits for entrepreneurs from FTI’s partner financial institutions.

Another crucial topic addressed during the meeting was a special lecture on the "NPRU Service Hub" by Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University, which showcased research and technology capabilities and academic services aimed at fostering collaboration with the industrial sector to support innovation development, enhance entrepreneurs, and create partnerships between educational institutions and the private sector at the local level.

In this meeting agenda, the committee jointly defined the operational guidelines of the Central Industrial Council for 2026–2028, focusing on strengthening the provincial industrial councils, integrating work with departments and various institutions under FTI, increasing membership and developing member capabilities, fostering cooperative networks between provinces, and establishing frameworks for meetings and joint activities in the Central Region to ensure continuity and maximize operational efficiency.

Moreover, the meeting exchanged views on challenges and obstacles that members are facing, particularly concerning foreign labor under MOU agreements nearing expiration, which could impact the production sector. It was agreed to collect data from the field and coordinate with relevant agencies to drive solutions through the mechanisms of FTI and related government entities.

After the meeting, the executives and committee members heard a presentation on the business operations of Chao Heng Noodle Factory Co., Ltd. by Mr. Watin Wongsurakrai, leading to the exchange of experiences and the establishment of cooperative networks among entrepreneurs in the Central Region, reinforcing the role of the Central Industrial Council as a hub for collaboration and driving the sustainable growth of the Thai industrial sector.