GEF 2026 hONORARY aDVISORS & cO-CHAIRS
The 2nd Global Economic Forum Annual Meeting Bangkok (GEF AM BKK 2026)
Our Co-Chairs will provide strategic leadership in shaping the Forum’s agenda and guiding high-level dialogue on global economic cooperation, sustainable growth, investment, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.
Our Honorary Advisors bring distinguished experience, leadership, and international networks to support the Forum’s mission and strengthen its engagement with business, government, and institutional stakeholders.
Together, our Co-Chairs and Honorary Advisors represent a diverse and influential leadership community committed to advancing meaningful dialogue, partnerships, and opportunities for global economic growth and sustainable development.
Mr. Sanan Angubolkul
President, Thailand–Vietnam Friendship Association
Senior Chairman, Thai Chamber of Commerce & Board of Trade of Thailand
Mr. Sanan Angubolkul is a senior Thai economic and public-sector figure who has played a significant role in connecting Thailand’s government, business community, and international partners. As President of the Thailand–Vietnam Friendship Association, he works alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advancing people-to-people, economic, and strategic cooperation between Thailand and Vietnam. As Senior Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, he has represented the Thai private sector in high-level engagements with government leaders, foreign governments, diplomatic missions, and international business organizations, with a particular focus on trade, investment, and regional economic cooperation.
Dr. Anatchai Rattakul
Board Member of the Steering Network – National Reform Council
Dr. Anatchai Rattakul is a distinguished public-sector and policy figure who has contributed to Thailand’s national reform and development agenda. As a Board Member of the Steering Network of the National Reform Council, he brings experience in strategic policy, institutional development, and public-sector reform, supporting efforts to strengthen Thailand’s economic and social development and advance meaningful national reforms.
DR. SOMCHAI SAROVAT
Vice President, ASEAN Trade Promotion Association
Former Political Official, Secretariat of the Prime Minister, Kingdom of Thailand
Former Advisor to the Minister of Commerce
Dr. Somchai Sarovat is a senior Thai business and trade figure with extensive experience at the intersection of government, commerce, and international economic cooperation. His public-sector career includes appointment as a political official attached to the Secretariat of the Prime Minister and service as an Advisor to the Minister of Commerce. He has subsequently held leadership positions in national business-development and international trade organizations, supporting Thailand’s economic interests, private-sector development, and international commercial cooperation.
Prof. Francesco Frangialli
Honorary Secretary General United Nation Tourism UNWTO, France
A distinguished international tourism leader, Prof. Francesco Frangialli brings decades of experience in global tourism policy, sustainable development, and international cooperation. His leadership strengthens GEF 2026’s commitment to sustainable tourism, cross-border collaboration, and resilient global economic development.
Dr. Kampon Sriwatanakul
Chairman, Thailand Charter of Health
A respected leader in public health and wellness policy, Dr. Kampon brings deep expertise in advancing sustainable healthcare systems and preventive medicine. His work emphasizes the critical link between health, economic productivity, and long-term societal development.
Xu Jing
Vice Chairman Global Tourism Economy Research Centre, Spain
A prominent Thai business leader and advocate for private-sector development, Mr. Sanan Angubolkul has played a significant role in advancing Thailand’s business, trade, and economic cooperation. As former Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, he championed stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, international trade partnerships, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. He also brings extensive experience as Chairman of Srithai Superware and through leadership roles across business, education, and social development organizations.
Dr. Reza Soltani
President, Institute of Tourism, Belgium
An international authority in tourism and global destination development, Dr. Soltani contributes extensive knowledge in cross-border tourism strategy, cultural exchange, and economic growth through travel and hospitality sectors.
Dr.Sri ganesh michiel
National President – Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA®)
A global business leader with strong experience in international trade and investment, Nixon Chung brings strategic insights into supply chains, cross-border commerce, and global capital flows, supporting GEF’s role as a catalyst for real economic transactions.
Dr. Victor TayGroup
CEO, Global Catalyst Advisory Pte Ltd
A global business strategist and investment advisor with extensive experience in cross-border partnerships and capital deployment. He specializes in connecting international investors with high-growth opportunities across Asia, driving strategic collaborations and sustainable business expansion.
Dr. Piyapat Pusiri
Vice President GlobalCHG Global OrganizationPresident, MMC GlobalClub, Thailand
Dr. Piyapat Pusiri is a prominent business and organizational leader with an active role in international entrepreneurship and professional networks. He serves as Vice President of GlobalCHG Global Organization and President of MMC Global Club, Thailand, supporting business development, leadership engagement, and international collaboration while connecting entrepreneurs and professionals across Thailand and the global business community.
Committee Member of the 8 Thematic Pillars
Dr. Sri Ganesh Michiel – National President, Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) Dr. Sri Ganesh Michiel leads the Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association, advocating for hospitality sector growth, budget hotel standards, and sustainable tourism practices across Malaysia.
H.E. William RodrÃguez López – Minister of Tourism, Costa Rica H.E. William RodrÃguez López serves as Costa Rica’s Minister of Tourism, focusing on global sustainable tourism initiatives, eco-tourism policies, and environmental conservation.
Dato’ Sri Dr. Irmohizam Ibrahim – CEO, World Trade Center Kuala Lumpur Dato’ Sri Dr. Irmohizam Ibrahim heads the World Trade Center Kuala Lumpur, overseeing strategic operations, international business trade events, and smart infrastructure developments.
S K Venkata Satish – Director of Technology, MBS Global Holdings S K Venkata Satish directs technology strategies and digital infrastructure initiatives at MBS Global Holdings, focusing on sustainable industrial growth and innovation.
Dr. Andrei Radulescu – Senior Researcher, Institute for World Economy, Romanian Academy (Romania) Dr. Andrei Radulescu is a prominent macroeconomist and senior researcher at the Romanian Academy, specializing in international macroeconomic trends, global trade, and geopolitical risk analysis.
Mr. Jakrapob Penkair – Member of Parliament, The Parliament of the Kingdom of Thailand Mr. Jakrapob Penkair serves as a Member of Parliament in Thailand, contributing to legislative policies surrounding trade, geopolitics, and international relations.
Prof. Alessandra Priante – President of Italian National Tourist Board Prof. Alessandra Priante leads the Italian National Tourist Board, driving global promotion, hospitality initiatives, and medical tourism integration for Italy.
Dr. Reza Soltani – President, Institute of Tourism, Belgium Dr. Reza Soltani serves as President of the Institute of Tourism in Belgium, specializing in hospitality management, academic research, and medical tourism sector development.
Dr. Kampon Sriwatanakul – Chairman of Thailand Charter of Health Dr. Kampon Sriwatanakul chairs the Thailand Charter of Health, advocating for wellness economy integration, preventive medicine, and medical tourism expansion.
Prof. Siyka Katsarova – President, European Spas Association Prof. Siyka Katsarova leads the European Spas Association, promoting health tourism standards, spa treatment innovations, and wellness economy frameworks across Europe.
H.E. Mr. Michael Nazzal – Senator in the Jordanian Parliament and Chair of the Jordan Hotel Association H.E. Mr. Michael Nazzal serves in the Jordanian Senate while heading the Jordan Hotel Association, spearheading strategic investment, supply chain logistics, and hospitality growth.
Eduardo Pedrosa – Executive Director, APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Eduardo Pedrosa directs executive operations at APEC, overseeing regional economic cooperation, sustainable supply chain development, and investment frameworks across the Asia-Pacific region.
Dr. Ali Jafari – CEO & Founder, CourseNetworking (CN) Dr. Ali Jafari is an edtech innovator who founded CourseNetworking, driving digital learning solutions, educational technology development, and global e-learning platforms.
Levi Nguyen – FPT Thailand CEO & FPT Taiwan CEO, FPT Corporation Levi Nguyen serves as CEO for FPT Corporation in Thailand and Taiwan, leading digital transformation, software solutions, and cybersecurity implementations.
Dr. Victor Tay – Group CEO, Global Catalyst Advisory Pte Ltd Dr. Victor Tay leads Global Catalyst Advisory, advising enterprises on green finance, cross-border real estate investment, and corporate innovation strategies.
Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai – President of Agency for Real Estate Affairs Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai is an acclaimed real estate expert and president of the Agency for Real Estate Affairs, focusing on valuation, property research, and market analytics.
Be Part of the Global Movement
Join global leaders, investors, and innovators at the Global Economic Forum 2026 Annual Meeting in Bangkok.
