Supachai revealed that the Ministry of Commerce is closely monitoring unrest in Europe, assessing risks to Thai trade and exports, and preparing responses. The ministry is tracking the situation closely to provide ongoing information and advice to businesses.
25 Oct 2026 GMT+7 Ms. Supachai Suthamphan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, stated that she has instructed the Ministry of Commerce to closely monitor protests and unrest in Europe. The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and the Office of Commercial Affairs (OCA) are expediting risk assessments that could impact Thai trade and exports. They are continuously tracking the situation to offer information and guidance to entrepreneurs, focusing on proactive evaluations and preparing response plans aligned with potential risks, enabling businesses to plan and adapt promptly.
The latest situation report indicates that there are protests in six countries: France, Italy, Portugal, Albania, Spain, and Belgium. The protests cover varied demands, including cost of living, wages, and housing issues. Some areas have reported clashes and safety incidents. Additionally, labor union activities that might affect transport services and economic activities in the near future are being closely watched. The ministry emphasizes assessing situations by area to pinpoint risks that might directly impact Thai trade and transportation.
Regarding impacts on Thai exports, if the unrest prolongs or spreads, it may affect consumer purchasing power, demand for certain goods, and logistics transport. This could lengthen delivery times and increase business costs, especially if protests or strikes disrupt air, land, or distribution services in the affected areas.
The actual impact depends on the severity and affected locations. The Ministry of Commerce will closely monitor data from the OCA and related parties, evaluate risk management options, and assist businesses in maintaining trade continuity and minimizing effects from the uncertainty of the situation.
From January to August 2026, trade between Thailand and the European Union totaled 34.69 billion USD, up 17.13% from the same period last year. Thai exports reached 21.06 billion USD, growing 21.89%, while imports were 13.63 billion USD, up 10.45%. Thailand recorded a trade surplus of 7.43 billion USD, underscoring the importance of the EU market, which the Ministry of Commerce must monitor closely to manage risks while preserving trade opportunities and enhancing Thai exporters' competitiveness in this key market.
The Ministry of Commerce advises exporters to monitor conditions in partner countries, check transport statuses, and coordinate delivery schedules directly with partners and service providers. If transport routes are likely to be affected, exporters should discuss adjusting delivery times as needed and prepare backup plans for perishable or time-sensitive goods.
Additionally, exporters might consider diversifying risks by temporarily reducing dependence on the European market and accelerating market expansion in ASEAN, South Asia, or the Middle East. They should also extend transport insurance coverage to include riot and intentional property damage risks, adjust euro currency holdings or enter forward contracts due to the euro’s weakening trend, and evaluate alternative routes by avoiding major ports in France and Western Europe in favor of Northern or Southern European ports connected via rail. Furthermore, relocating inventory storage from risky areas to safer countries is recommended.