BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun announced significant progress following the 9th round of the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, held in Brussels from June 22 to 30, 2026. This round concluded eight critical elements, paving the way for the final phase of the historic trade pact. The negotiating teams finalized four key chapters: Competition and Subsidies, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), Dispute Settlement, and Administrative and Institutional Provisions. They also settled three annexes on export duties, import/export monopolies, and the automotive sector under Technical Barriers to Trade, as well as a protocol on mutual administrative assistance in customs matters. To date, 15 of 24 chapters have been concluded, representing about two-thirds of the agreement.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that several outstanding issues, including anti-fraud measures and final provisions, are close to resolution. Discussions on market access for goods, services, investment, and government procurement are progressing. The next negotiation round will address the remaining third of the agreement, focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, industrial goods, digital trade, energy, and intellectual property. This progress reflects strong political momentum from a high-level meeting on June 24, 2026, during which the Deputy Prime Minister and Thai Trade Representative Werapong Prapha held productive discussions with European Commissioners Maroš Šefčovič and Christophe Hansen. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the FTA toward a swift and mutually beneficial conclusion.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Commerce will convene a domestic steering committee, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, to resolve pending issues with relevant agencies. European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will visit Thailand before the 10th negotiation round, scheduled for late September 2026, to review progress and help ensure the talks achieve the best possible results. (NNT)
