Minister courts British investors

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan invited British businesses to invest in Thailand, strengthening cooperation in trade and investment while identifying opportunities for a potential UK-Thailand free trade agreement (FTA) in the future.
During a keynote speech on Thursday at a seminar organised by the Royal Thai Embassy in London entitled “Elevating the Thai-UK Economic Partnership to New Heights”, Mr Pichai said Thailand and the UK have close and longstanding relations that span almost two centuries.
The two countries recently elevated their bilateral trade relations to a strategic partnership, as next year will mark the 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The UK is a crucial trading partner for Thailand.
Last year, bilateral trade reached US$6.7 billion, the highest tally in five years.
The Joint Economic and Trade Committee (Jetco), established after Brexit, provides a formal platform for high-level economic dialogue between the two countries.
Through Jetco, the two countries developed the Thailand-UK Strategic Partnership Roadmap, which provides a clear framework for expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors and reflects shared commitment to deepening strategic ties and enhancing cooperation for mutual benefit.
Recently the two countries signed an enhanced trade partnership (ETP) covering more than 20 sectors including digital trade, agriculture, sustainability and technology.
The work plan attached to the ETP outlines joint activities that both sides will conduct across these sectors over the next two years.
The pact can unlock new avenues for growth in areas such as clean energy, sustainable development and the digital economy.
The ETP also commits both sides to identifying opportunities that could be delivered through a future UK-Thailand FTA. 
Such an agreement would not only strengthen economic ties, but also provide businesses in both countries with access to new opportunities, driving long-term prosperity for both economies.
The Thai government remains committed to promoting trade, investment and diplomacy, said Mr Pichai, adding the nation plans to accelerate the conclusion of FTAs with key partners.
Thailand has 15 FTAs with 19 countries, including Asean members, China, Japan and Australia. Thailand is negotiating trade agreements with the EU, the European Free Trade Association and South Korea.
The Thai government’s economic vision — Ignite Thailand — aims to position the country as a global hub for tourism, medical services, agriculture and innovation.
With the UK leading in sectors such as innovation, technology and sustainable growth, the Commerce Ministry is confident there are opportunities for the two countries to collaborate even more closely.
Thailand invited British investors to consider the Eastern Economic Corridor and the Land Bridge project to enhance their trade partnership.
As part of the business mission to the UK on Sept 19-23, the Commerce Ministry hosted the Ignite Thailand Festival in Selfridges department store in London, promoting Thai food, fashion and soft power in the UK. The festival aligns with the “Think Thailand, Next Level” campaign, which emphasises Thailand’s leadership in lifestyle products, food and fashion.
The goal is to solidify Thailand’s reputation as a trusted trade partner and a hub of innovation and high-quality products. In addition, Thai food was displayed on digital billboards in Piccadilly Circus, a popular London tourist attraction.