As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape the global economy, energy security and supply chain resilience have become increasingly important for long-term economic development and competitiveness.
On 11 June 2026, GIZ Thailand convened experts, business leaders, researchers and policymakers for the third Bangkok Perspectives under the theme ‘Energy and Supply Chain in Crisis: Resilience in a Geopolitically Fragmented World’ at BDMS Connect Center.
Held as an open discussion under the Chatham House Rule, the dialogue provided a platform for exchanging perspectives on how geopolitical developments are reconfiguring energy systems, global value chains and industrial competitiveness in Thailand and across the region.
The evening opened with remarks from Dr Timo Menniken, Country Director of GIZ Thailand, who highlighted the growing interconnectedness of energy security, transport systems, industrial production, supply chains and geopolitics. He noted that disruptions in distant regions can quickly ripple through Thailand’s economy, affecting businesses, investment and livelihoods. He also emphasised that accelerating the energy transition through renewable energy, grid modernisation, energy efficiency, electrification, hydrogen and Power-to-X technologies, and smarter infrastructure can advance decarbonisation, while strengthening resilience and energy security.
Keynote speakers then examined how geopolitical developments are reshaping global value chains, energy systems, and economic competitiveness, with Prof. Pavida Pananond, Professor of International Business at Thammasat Business School, and Bob Herrera-Lim, Managing Director of Teneo, sharing perspectives on these issues.
The panel discussion, ‘Building Resilience Amid Geoeconomic Shifts: Energy, Industry and Supply Chains’, moderated by Insa Illgen, Programme Director for the Thai-German Cooperation on Energy, Mobility and Climate (TGC EMC), brought together perspectives from industry, academia and businesses. Panellists included Yossiri Promchuakaew, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde (Thailand); Dr Phimsupha Kokchang of the Energy Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University; Prof. Pavida Pananond; and Bob Herrera-Lim.
The panellists pointed to the impact of rising energy costs on industrial competitiveness, the need for coherent long-term industrial strategies, the role of clean energy in attracting investment, and the importance of upgrading Thailand’s manufacturing base through productivity improvements, innovation and higher-value activities. Participants also emphasised the growing importance of diversified supply chains and regional cooperation in maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly changing global environment.
Bangkok Perspectives provides a platform for dialogue and exchange among experts, policymakers, business leaders and changemakers from the public and private sectors. The series underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges and advancing solutions through policy, investment, innovation and community engagement.
This dialogue concluded with a shared recognition that every transformation begins with a shift in perspective. In an increasingly interconnected world, energy security can no longer be viewed in isolation, but as a critical component of economic resilience and sustainable development.
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