Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has proposed what he calls the "Thai Plus One" investment policy to attract foreign direct investment, particularly from China, to the country.
Under the policy, foreigners who invest in Thailand will be offered the chance to invest in a neighbouring country as well.
The government would provide them with investment information and support.
Gen Prayut introduced the policy during a meeting with executives of Thai businesses investing in China and Thailand's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Business Advisory Council Monday in Beijing ahead of the 22nd Apec leader's summit to be held Tuesday.
Speaking after the meeting, government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said Gen Prayut told the business groups the government hoped to boost foreign investment with the Thai Plus One policy.
"We plan to establish five special economic areas along the borders and have seven more in the next phase. As we hold talks with Asean members about transport connectivity, we will also help foreign investors expand their investments to our neighbours if they decide to invest here," Mr Yongyuth said.
A source said Thailand is the manufacturing base for numerous products exported to developed countries while neighbouring countries, particularly Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, have the potential to meet the supply chain development needs of investors in this region.
Meanwhile, Gen Prayut held a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang on Sunday evening.
Mr Li reaffirmed close ties with Thailand and vowed to support the government and Thais in moving in a political direction which conforms with Thai society and culture, according to Mr Yongyuth.
"The two premiers also agreed in principle to promote three aspects of cooperation, covering Thai-Chinese connectivity, regional connectivity and cooperation in trade and investment, especially agricultural products," he said.
Also on Monday, Gen Prayut held bilateral talks with Papua New Guinea prime minister Peter O'Neill and Philippine President Benigno Aquino on economic cooperation, during which they pledged to deepen trade and investment ties.
Gen Prayut on Sunday also met Thai businessmen and students in Beijing, saying the coup was aimed at solving the country's problems and undertaking reform.
"I intend to resolve the rift among Thais while enforcing the law with fairness to return our country to a peaceful state," he said.
"We have met some obstacles as I have been accused of being a brutal person and seeking power. However, I have remained patient because I was taught to do everything for the sake of the nation," Gen Prayut said.