PARIS, France – Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul met with representatives of three Thai companies operating in France on May 23, 2026, at the InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hotel in Paris to discuss opportunities, challenges, and strategies to expand Thai business interests in Europe and strengthen Thailand–France economic cooperation. The discussions involved executives from Thai Union Europe Co., Ltd., Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, and Mud and Hound Co., Ltd. Participants highlighted the importance of accelerating negotiations for the Thailand–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). They noted the agreement could reduce tariffs on Thai products from 24 percent to zero, significantly enhancing the competitiveness of Thai exports and increasing access to European markets.
Business representatives also proposed measures to promote Thai franchise brands in Europe, especially Thai restaurants. They emphasized that many establishments run by non-Thai nationals often lack authentic Thai expertise and suggested support measures to enable Thai entrepreneurs in France and other European countries to establish and operate Thai restaurants. These efforts would help expand imports of Thai ingredients while promoting Thailand’s culinary identity and cultural heritage abroad. The Prime Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to advancing these initiatives and stated that Thai restaurant franchise operators would be invited to engage with the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Bank) to develop appropriate support measures to facilitate further expansion in European markets. (NNT)
