British transport companies are showing strong interest in jointly investing in five infrastructure projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme.
They would join many existing British companies looking to invest and expand their business here next year as a sign of confidence in the Thai economy.
Marcus Winsley, director of trade and investment at the British embassy in Bangkok, said the transport and infrastructure sectors have a lot of potential.
Some British companies specialising in tunnelling and signalling are keen to work with Thai companies on the five infrastructure projects under the fast-track PPP scheme once they are open for contract tendering.
British companies in the transport and infrastructure sectors have ongoing partnerships with many major Thai engineering and construction companies.
The British firms offer world-class expertise in engineering, design and project management for big complexes and want to work with Thai partners on major new rail, mass transit and port development projects, said Mr Winsley.
Apart from transportation, food and drink as well as fashion are other sectors where British businesses want to expand to Thailand. Recently Burberry made over its store at Siam Paragon, while more beef and lamb are to be imported from Britain for sale at hotels and restaurants here.
Hackett London, a British fashion label, plans to enter the country next year, with BF Fashion winning operating rights.
"The broadband network expansion in Thailand and growth of digital media will attract more British companies to invest in digital services here," he said.
Yesterday the British Embassy introduced "Shopping is Great Britain: Season 2" to encourage Thais to buy British products during the festive season from Dec 15 to Jan 10.
Mark Kent, British ambassador to Thailand, said a wide range of British brands were already established in this market.
The total market value of the retail sector in Asia is 1.36 trillion baht, while the Thai retail industry is the eighth largest in the Asia-Pacific region.