Bangkok: Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Industry, has echoed sentiments expressed by prominent business leader Dhanin Chearavanont, highlighting the strategic significance of Thailand's agricultural resources and stressing the need for heightened cybersecurity measures in the industrial sector.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Silpa-archa discussed the insights he gained from recent conversations with business executives, including Mr. Chearavanont, the Senior Chairman of the Charoen Pokphand Group. Mr. Chearavanont had presented a compelling viewpoint, suggesting that Thailand's "oil on the surface," referring to its agricultural wealth, holds more value than any potential underground oil reserves. This perspective aligns with the Ministry of Industry's ongoing emphasis on bolstering the agricultural sector as a cornerstone of the nation's food security. In recent discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, strategies were explored to ensure the quality and continuous availability of Thai fruits, along with ways to extract high-value compounds for export.
In addition to focusing on agriculture, Mr. Silpa-archa highlighted the necessity of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He noted the challenges faced by these businesses and the Ministry's commitment, alongside SMD Bank, to provide not only financial support but also knowledge sharing and personnel development. A unified industrial policy backed by the Ministry's resources is set to aid in upgrading these SMEs.
Furthermore, Mr. Silpa-archa raised concerns about the escalating risk of cyber threats targeting Thailand's industrial sector, particularly the vulnerabilities in factory production control systems. Such cyber attacks could disrupt production stability, affect exports, and undermine the confidence of international trading partners. In response, the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) is working on revising cybersecurity standards for industrial control and automation systems. This initiative aims to establish a domestic TISI standard to boost the competitiveness of Thai businesses. Compliance with these cybersecurity standards may become essential, potentially serving as a trade condition or non-tariff barrier affecting manufacturers, service providers, and supply chain participants.
The Minister emphasized the critical nature of upgrading digital threat measures within Thai factories to safeguard their competitiveness, production base, and the confidence of foreign investors over the long term.