Bangkok: The Prime Minister is closely monitoring the progress of the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) following the ninth round of negotiations, which have reached two-thirds completion. The government spokesperson has emphasized the importance of expediting the process for national benefit.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, reported that before today's Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as the Minister of Interior, reviewed the progress of the FTA negotiations. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, provided an update to the Cabinet, highlighting significant progress made during the ninth negotiation round in June 2026. Eight additional issues were resolved, covering four main chapters: Competition and Subsidies, State Enterprises, Dispute Settlement, and Agreement Management, alongside four annexes and protocols. This advancement brings the total concluded chapters to 15 out of 24, approximately two-thirds of the entire agreement. The Prime Minister has directed relevant agencies to accelerate this process due to its benefits for Thailand.
Negotiations on the remaining issues are advancing, with many nearing finalization. Both parties are currently discussing proposals on market opening for goods trade, services trade, investment, and government procurement. This phase is critical as the negotiations approach their final stages, focusing on significant issues for the Thai economy, including agricultural products, industrial products, digital trade, services and investment, and intellectual property.
The progress achieved in this negotiation round follows high-level discussions between both parties, where a shared intent to expedite the FTA negotiations was confirmed. A joint work plan has been developed, and discussions on unresolved issues are being accelerated to maximize progress in the upcoming tenth round of negotiations, which Thailand will host at the end of September 2026.
The Prime Minister's spokesperson remarked, "This is a matter that both the Thai and European private sectors want to see resolved as quickly as possible, to benefit trade and investment and improve the quality of life for Thai people."