Thailand and the United Kingdom convened a high-level dialogue in London this May to explore avenues for increasing Thai food exports and fostering bilateral trade and investment, with long-term aims toward a potential Free Trade Agreement.
The strategic discussions focused on enhancing the presence of Thai agricultural and food products in the UK market, reducing trade barriers, and streamlining the entry process for skilled Thai professionals. The initiative also supports Thailand’s broader ambition to strengthen its role as a premium food supplier globally, particularly within the post-Brexit UK economy.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, the United Kingdom ranked as Thailand’s fourth-largest trading partner in Europe in 2024. Bilateral trade amounted to 6.66 billion US dollars. Thai exports rose by 7.06 percent to 4.19 billion dollars, while imports from the UK declined by 16.63 percent to 2.46 billion dollars.
Key Thai exports to the UK included processed chicken, automobiles and motorcycle components, machinery, and jewelry. In the food sector, strong performers were frozen poultry, ready-to-eat meals, preserved seafood, seasonings, fruits, rice, and beverages.
The meeting also touched on improving market access for Thai lifestyle products and easing regulations on services, including those offered by Thai chefs and wellness professionals.
In attendance were representatives from companies such as Selfridges, CP Intertrade, Boonrod Brewery (Singha), Chang Beer, Thai Tana, Asco, Manning Impex, Patara Restaurants, and Bangkok Bank. The Thai delegation was led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and included officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Department of International Trade Promotion, Board of Investment, and the Thai Embassy in London.
