On 15 January 2024, Mr. Asi Mamanee, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, co-chaired the 3rd Thailand-Netherlands Political Consultations with Mr. Wouter Jurgens, Director for Asia and Oceania of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. 

Both sides reviewed and planned all areas of cooperation, particularly in trade and economic cooperation. They also discussed the existing strong cooperation including water management, climate change and environment, advanced agricultural and food technologies, and explored other areas on cooperation, for instance, the Netherland’s investment in the EEC and the Landbridge project. Both sides placed emphasis on the strengthening of people-to-people relations, such as the promotion of education, tourism and creative economy cooperation.  

The Netherlands welcomed Thailand’s intention to apply for OECD membership and stands ready to support Thailand-EU FTA negotiation. Thailand also proposed the visa-free entry to the Schengen area for ordinary Thai passport holders for the Netherlands’ consideration and support.

Both sides then exchanged views on the issues of Human rights and LGBTQ+ as well as the regional and global issues, including ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific, Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Gaza strip, Myanmar and South China Sea.

The Netherlands is Thailand’s largest investor and 2nd largest trading partner in the EU. The Netherlands also places Thailand in the ‘ASEAN 5’ with special economic focus. In 2024, the two countries mark the 420th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.