The government accepts the EU's legislation on deforestation-free products but remains cautious about redefining "forest" due to concerns over impacts on land rights and Thailand's existing legal framework.
On 17 March 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertwivatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed the Cabinet meeting results. The meeting acknowledged a report from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment concerning proposals to reform forestry laws to comply with the European Union's new trade regulation, the EUDR.
Ms. Lalida stated that the EU's EUDR regulation will directly affect imports and exports of seven main product groups: cattle, timber, palm oil, soybeans, cocoa, coffee, and rubber, including processed products. Operators must prove these goods do not originate from deforested areas; otherwise, they will be excluded from the EU market immediately. Although the National Human Rights Commission suggested Thailand revise the definition of "forest" to align with international standards, relevant agencies (Natural Resources, Commerce, Council of State, Board of Investment) agreed it is premature to amend it now. Thailand's forestry law distinctly separates forest areas from private land using land title documents, so changing the definition could cause legal confusion and broadly affect citizens' land ownership rights.
Nevertheless, the government has directed accelerated development of traceability mechanisms and raw material origin certification systems that meet EU standards, ensuring Thai products remain competitive globally. The Council of State proposed that any future legal amendments be preceded by systematic economic and social impact assessments and comprehensive consultations with farmers. The government prioritizes global environmental standards but must simultaneously consider the livelihoods of Thai farmers.