Thailand is advancing its FTA negotiations, having closed deals on two-thirds of the issues, and is preparing to host the 10th round of talks in late September, with a focus on safeguarding the interests of Thai SMEs and farmers.
On 8 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Veerapong Prapa, Thailand's Trade Representative, revealed progress in the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks between Thailand and the European Union (EU) after completing the 9th round. Overall, the negotiations have advanced very well, successfully closing agreements on 8 issues, about two-thirds of the total negotiation content. Commerce Minister Supachai Sutthammanoon attended meetings with the EU's Trade and Agriculture Committees, emphasizing that political will is crucial to strengthen and empower the negotiation process.
For the upcoming 10th round, Thailand will host talks in late September, aiming to make the greatest possible progress. Currently, six main issues remain, including agricultural products, industrial goods, digital trade, regulations, and public procurement. These topics will be addressed in round 10. Meanwhile, interim meetings with the EU will continue regularly to find common ground or a “Landing Zone” on the remaining chapters. Simultaneously, Thai agencies and ministries are working hard to define clear positions on which issues Thailand can be flexible about and which are critical interests that cannot be compromised.
When asked about the chances of closing and signing the agreement within this year, Veerapong acknowledged they will strive to expedite the process fully, but the most important factor is "that speed and quality must go hand in hand." This is to ensure that Thai people, SMEs, and farmers receive the maximum benefits.
Regarding issues Thailand must "reserve and protect" most strongly, the focus will be on sensitive matters such as market openings and regulations. A key condition is that the agreement must not conflict with Thai law and must comply with international standards, including pharmaceutical standards and plant and animal care standards, to prevent long-term loss of national interests.