On 12 May 2020, EMPEA hosted a select group of investor members for a private discussion with US Ambassador to Thailand Michael DeSombre.
The EMPEA delegation was led by its ASEAN Representative Steven Okun with participation from Asia Partners, The Carlyle Group, Clearwater Capital, IFC, KKR, and Navis.
Ambassador DeSombre gained insights from EMPEA members on their views of the ASEAN region’s second-largest economy and how investors assess the opportunities and challenges in Thailand given the current situation.
Participants also discussed the restrictions placed on investment within the Foreign Business Act, the lengthy judicial processes required to resolve disputes, as well as how the Ambassador is planning to work with fund managers to advocate for increased investment to align with the interests of the government of Thailand.