Strengthening Thailand–UK Economic Partnership through Trade, Investment and Competitiveness
British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) was pleased to meet with Mr. Werapong Art Prapha (วีระพงษ์ ประภา), Thailand Trade Representative (TTR), accompanied by Mr. Pathkamol Dattibongs, Director of the Bureau of European Affairs, and Ms. Satawan Ruengdit, Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand, to exchange views on Thailand’s evolving trade, investment and competitiveness agenda.
The BCCT delegation comprised Mr. Von Nonsrichai (HSBC, BCCT Vice-Chair), Mr. Tanva Mahitivanichcha (Grant Thornton Thailand, BCCT Director and Chair of Legal and Taxation Working Group), Dr. Monika Dmochowska (Mahanakorn Partners Group, BCCT Director), Ms. Shutchada Ohm Chandrangsu (Diageo), Mr. Pongsikorn Nopnakeepongse (The Magnum Ice Cream Company) and Ms. Thitipa Laxanaphisuth (BCCT Policy Manager).
The discussion highlighted Thailand’s strategic economic priorities for 2026 and the Government’s strong commitment to enhancing the country’s long-term competitiveness through closer collaboration with the international business community.
Key priorities included:
• OECD Accession as a catalyst for regulatory reform, improved governance, greater transparency and stronger investor confidence.
• Open and rules-based trade, reinforcing Thailand’s commitment to an inclusive global trading system while maintaining the flexibility to pursue national development objectives.
• Quality investment and SME competitiveness, recognising that strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises through innovation, digitalisation, access to international markets and integration into global value chains is essential to sustainable economic growth.
• Six strategic growth sectors identified by the Government to drive Thailand’s next phase of development, including advanced manufacturing, agriculture and food, healthcare and wellness, digital economy, green economy and sustainability, and tourism and the creative economy. These sectors present significant opportunities for bilateral collaboration, investment and technology partnerships.
Particular emphasis was placed on the growing momentum for a Thailand–UK FTA. The Government reaffirmed its readiness to deepen economic cooperation with the United Kingdom, viewing the FTA as a strategic platform to expand trade, facilitate investment, strengthen resilient supply chains, promote innovation, and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
These priorities closely align with BCCT’s advocacy agenda to promote a competitive, transparent and business-friendly operating environment.
As a trusted bridge between the UK and Thailand, BCCT looks forward to continuing its close engagement with the TTR’s Office, the Ministry of Commerce and our members to support policy dialogue and practical initiatives that advance the Thailand–UK economic partnership.
#PolicyDialogue #ThailandUKFTA #OECD #TradePolicy
