TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — “Taiwan is the strongest democracy in Asia,” Thai Senator Pornchai Witayalerdpan said in an interview with CNA, calling for closer ties between the two countries.

Witayalerdpan said Taiwan’s democracy offers lessons for Thailand. He praised Taiwan’s merit-based system, citing professionals like Audrey Tang (唐鳳) as examples of how expertise can lead government departments effectively.

He noted that Thailand and Taiwan do not have formal diplomatic relations. However, economic cooperation between the two countries has grown stronger, he said, citing a signed investment promotion pact last year.

Taiwan’s printed circuit board industry has invested over 200 billion baht (NT$176 billion) in Thailand, making the country Asia’s largest PCB producer. In March, Thailand’s Board of Investment partnered with the Taiwan Printed Circuit Association to attract more high-tech investment.

Witayalerdpan said Thailand can benefit from Taiwan’s high-tech and semiconductor know-how. He hopes to visit Taiwan as part of a Senate delegation to enhance exchanges in trade, technology, and governance.

The Thai senator also acknowledged flaws in Thailand’s Senate election system. He said the government must open the process to more public participation to build trust in its democracy.

Witayalerdpan was elected to Thailand’s Senate last year after working as an interpreter. He said his entry into politics was serendipitous but became an opportunity to advocate for reform.