The Nation Thailand - 18 June 2026
Thailand clears five trade agreements to expand global trade links
Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, said a joint session of MPs and senators has approved the submission of five trade agreements aimed at strengthening Thailand’s export competitiveness, widening market access and supporting long-term economic growth.
The agreements were submitted during Parliament’s 3rd Session, First Annual Ordinary Session. They include two new free trade agreements, two upgraded regional trade pacts and one World Trade Organisation-related protocol on fisheries subsidies.
The two new FTAs are the Thailand-European Free Trade Association Free Trade Agreement and the Thailand-Bhutan Free Trade Agreement. The upgraded agreements cover the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area and the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement. The fifth agreement is the Protocol Amending the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the WTO to incorporate the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
EFTA deal marks Thailand’s first FTA with a European bloc
Suphajee said the Thailand-EFTA FTA represents a major milestone in Thailand’s trade strategy, as it is the country’s first free trade agreement with a European bloc.
EFTA comprises high-income markets with strong purchasing power. Under the agreement, the bloc will immediately eliminate import tariffs on a wide range of Thai products once the deal enters into force, creating new opportunities for Thai exporters in goods and services where the country has strong potential.
The Commerce Ministry expects the agreement to help Thai businesses expand into premium markets, while also encouraging higher standards in production, product quality and services.
