Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has led a delegation to negotiate with top European Union officials in an attempt to fast-track the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aimed at boosting trade, investment and agricultural exports amid global economic volatility.
“Thailand remains firmly committed to wrapping up the FTA as quickly as possible,” she said, while emphasising that, while Bangkok wants a swift deal, it must protect the interests of local farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other domestic stakeholders.
The high-level talks took place on Friday involving Maroš Šefčovič, the EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, and Christophe Hansen, the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food.
Both sides agreed on the critical need for a closer economic partnership to enhance supply chain resilience, diversify trade risks and establish long-term economic security.
During the session with Commissioner Šefčovič, the two parties exchanged views on key chapters of the FTA, including market access for goods and services, intellectual property, as well as investment, government procurement, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures.
Discussions highlighted the importance of balancing economic benefits with public interest, while remaining sensitive to each side's distinct level of readiness and domestic constraints.
To maintain momentum, negotiators from both sides are aiming to finalise the text of the agreement during the upcoming ninth round of negotiations, before moving into the final phases of high-stakes bargaining.
Agricultural trade and food safety remained a focal point during discussions with Commissioner Hansen. While the EU emphasised the need for strict compliance regarding livestock and SPS standards, the Thai delegation underscored that the agricultural sector is highly sensitive for local farmers.
Hansen also expressed readiness to cooperate closely with Thailand to advance the talks. Consequently, both sides agreed that opening agricultural markets requires close consultation, given the potential impacts on smallholders and domestic producers.
To date, the agricultural portion of the FTA negotiations covers seven core areas. Progress has already been made, with four chapters successfully concluded, specifically trade in goods (textual provisions), technical barriers to trade, trade and sustainable development and sustainable food systems. The areas still on the table include rules of origin, SPS measures, intellectual property and mutual market access.
The EU remains Thailand's fourth-largest trading partner. In 2025, total bilateral trade between Thailand and the EU reached over US$45 billion, accounting for 6.58% of Thailand's global trade. Thai exports to the bloc stood at US$26.4 billion against imports of US$18.5 billion.
For agricultural and processed food products, bilateral trade was valued at US$2.01 billion, netting Thailand a healthy trade surplus of approximately US$940 million, highlighting the massive stakes involved in sealing the pact.
