Thai Prime Minister pursues commercial relations with UK magnates, emphasizes free trade agreements in the sectors of food and agricultural exports.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra ventured to the United Kingdom to facilitate Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and expand Thai exports, particularly in agricultural and food products, within the European market.
During her official visit, Shinawatra held meetings with significant UK private sector representatives, among them Selfridges, Boonrawd Brewery (Singha), Chang Beer, and Bangkok Bank PLC, to encourage discussions on improving trade opportunities and market access for Thai products.
The conversation centered around increasing the market value of Thai food and agricultural exports, establishing additional channels for lifestyle and food products, and accelerating FTA negotiations to eradicate trade barriers. Shinawatra expressed her concerns about restrictions on processed chicken products, and she underscored the importance of access for Thai professionals in the United Kingdom, primarily chefs, cooks, and traditional massage therapists.
Beyond financial support for keen Thai entrepreneurs in the UK, Shinawatra has encouraged relevant Thai agencies to promote trade and investment between the two countries firmly under the Team Thailand framework and ultimately strengthen economic ties to pave the way for comprehensive FTAs not only with the UK but also with the broader European Union in the future.
The UK ranked Thailand's fourth-largest trading partner in Europe in 2024, with bilateral trade totaling $6.66 billion, a slight decrease of 2.31% compared with the previous year. Thai exports amounted to $4.2 billion, while imports were valued at $2.46 billion. Thailand's top exports to the UK included processed chicken, machinery and parts, gems and jewelry, motorcycles and parts, and automobiles and parts. Key Thai food exports to the United Kingdom consisted of processed chicken, wheat-based products, ready-to-eat meals, seasonings, canned and processed seafood, rice, canned and processed fruits, meat products, chilled/frozen fresh chicken, and beverages.
This move aligns with Shinawatra's broader strategy to strengthen Thailand's international standing in various sectors, further confirmed by her recent trip to Monaco and the launch of the revamped Thai SELECT certification, promoting high-quality Thai cuisine worldwide and recognizing 115 Thai restaurants in the United Kingdom that meet the program's standards.
- Shinawatra's meetings with UK private sector representatives, such as Selfridges and Bangkok Bank PLC, also included discussions on increasing the market value of Thai cultural exports, specifically high-quality Thai cuisine, as part of her broader strategy to strengthen Thailand's international standing.
- In the realm of sports, Shinawatra believes that expanding opportunities for Thai professionals in the UK, particularly chefs and traditional massage therapists, will contribute to a more vibrant exchange of Thai culture and contribute positively to the UK's lifestyle.
- Aware of the significance of weather in sports and outdoor activities, Shinawatra proposes collaborations to accelerate research in climate-resilient agricultural practices, which could potentially benefit both the UK and Thai markets given their unique weather conditions in each country.
