On 19 February 2025, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, joined the meeting between Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, and the delegation from the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC), at the Government House. The Prime Minister presented key policies and visions, reassuring European businesses of the benefits of investing in the country. Thailand is ready in terms of investment facilitation policies, being a source of raw materials, having excellent infrastructures, and being located in the heart of ASEAN, enabling it to become a hub to connect European business opportunities to various markets in the Asia-Pacific and South Asia regions.

Both sides recognized the importance of expediting the Thai-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and strengthening trade and investment ties to connect Thailand to the global value chain amid the geopolitical challenges and economic competition.

The EU is an important partner for Thailand both politically and economically. In 2024, the EU was Thailand’s 4^th largest trading partner with total trade value of over 43 billion US dollars.