To court EV firms, support next phase of traditional automaking
Won39;t favour U.S. or China, remains loyal to Japan PM
To steer clear of price guarantees for farmers, unless necessary

BANGKOK, Sept 29 Reuters Thailand39;s new prime minister said on Friday he was committed to transforming the country into a major foreign investment destination, including pursuing more free trade deals and expanding manufacturing of both electric and traditional autos.

In a wideranging speech at a forum, Srettha said his government would improve infrastructure and water management, upgrade airports to boost tourism, expand free trade agreements FTA to compete with neighbours, and make it easier for companies to hire more foreign workers in Thailand.

Thailand is open for business with all countries, said Srettha, a political neophyte who until recently headed a highend real estate firm.

We will give importance to negotiating more FTA, we are losing to Vietnam not because of the wage issue, but because we have fewer FTAs.

Despite its economy being heavily reliant on exports, Thailand has lagged its peers in pursuing trade pacts with major markets, with complications ranging from allegations of protectionism and migrant labour abuse, plus political upheaval stemming from governments being forced from power.

Srettha stressed foreign policy would be neutral and not take sides with the United States and China, adding that Japan was a major power that Thailand was committed to, given…