Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand is stepping up negotiations with the European Union to advance a bilateral free trade agreement, with agriculture, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and investment at the centre of discussions aimed at progress in the ninth round.
A Thai delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun held high-level discussions in Brussels with senior EU officials, including Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen, on June 24.
The discussions centred on advancing the Thailand – EU FTA, addressing sensitive agricultural issues and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, while laying the groundwork for a long-term strategic economic partnership amid global economic volatility.
The two sides agreed on the importance of closer economic and trade ties to enhance supply chain resilience, diversify trade risks and strengthen shared economic security. They agreed to push forward areas of the agreement where consensus has already been reached, with a view to securing additional progress in the ninth negotiating round.
Negotiators exchanged views on key chapters including trade in goods, trade in services, investment, government procurement, SPS measures and intellectual property. While recognising differing levels of readiness and sensitivities, both parties agreed to pursue a balanced approach that protects public interest while maximising economic benefit.
So far, four of seven key negotiating areas have been concluded, including provisions on trade in goods, technical barriers to trade, sustainable development and sustainable food systems. Remaining issues include rules of origin, SPS measures, intellectual property and market access.
The EU is Thailand's fourth-largest trading partner. Bilateral trade exceeded 45 billion USD in 2025, including 26.45 billion USD in Thai exports and 18.58 billion USD in imports. Trade in agricultural and processed agricultural products reached about 2.01 billion USD, with Thailand recording a surplus of around 940 million USD.
The Thai government expects an early conclusion of the FTA to boost trade and investment while supporting long-term economic growth./.
