Thailand is currently the eighth top exporter in Asia and 23rd in the world. It has to boost its exports by an additional US$1 billion (Bt31.5 billion) per month to achieve the goal.
The Kingdom’s export market is expected to contract between 7 and 9 per cent this year due to the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Somdet said the factors that will propel Thailand to the top five include its production capacity and promotion of investment in high-value products in the much-touted Eastern Economic Corridor.
Last year, the top 10 exporters in Asia were China and Hong Kong with exports valued at $3 trillion, followed by Japan with $700 billion, South Korea $540 billion, Singapore $390 billion, India $320 billion, Taiwan $300 billion, Vietnam $260 billion, Thailand $240 billion, Malaysia $238 billion and Turkey $180 billion.