ADB's operations in Thailand will continue in line with the country partnership strategy (CPS), which is essential for enhancing the competitiveness of Thailand's economy. Railway modernization and motorway expansion will reduce transport logistics and operating costs. Mainstreaming public-private partnerships will help the government maximize opportunities for private sector participation in infrastructure, reduce its financial burden, foster technologically advanced designs and systems, ensure timely construction, and achieve operational efficiencies. In this regard, ADB will promote private sector involvement in public sector activities. Capital market development will be bolstered with a focus on implementing a capital market development master plan in Thailand. ADB will support economic and social reforms, such as microfinance, for inclusive growth to further access to social and economic opportunities. Lastly, innovative approaches and technologies will improve environmental management and energy efficiency, including support for private sector-led solar and wind power activities, as well as energy-efficient municipalities.

Thailand is also striving to increase its own role, capacity, and effectiveness as a regional and global development partner. ADB adds considerable value to the partnership through its extensive experience and expertise in supporting subregional cooperation programs and regional economic integration. At the regional level, Thailand and ADB will work together to cofinance development projects and develop knowledge-sharing programs in areas of subregional trade and investment in neighboring countries, and to contribute to the development of more efficient and liquid bond markets in Asia.

ADB is working with the Government of Thailand on the preparation of a new CPS, 2012–2016, which will be aligned with the 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan, 2012–2016. Strengthening economic resilience and knowledge management would be new potential partnership areas.

The country operations business plan (COBP), 2012-2014, was completed in September 2011. It bridges the CPS 2007–2011 and the new CPS 2012–2016 under preparation. The COBP is closely aligned with the government's policies and action plans to promote long-term, sustainable economic growth and social development.

Key areas for cooperation include:

• mainstreaming public-private partnerships (PPPs) and infrastructure development;
• capital market development;
• climate change/energy efficiency;
• economic and social reforms towards inclusive growth; and
• regional cooperation and South-South cooperation.