Chair, let me warmly welcome the delegation from Thailand, led by the honourable Vice Minister for Commerce, to their ninth Trade Policy Review. We are grateful to the government of Thailand and the WTO Secretariat for their respective reports. Let me also express my gratitude to the chair and our discussant Ambassador Mr Petter Ølberg for his role as discussant in this Review and, as always, his invaluable insights.
Let me start by also sharing our sincere condolences for the devastation caused by the recent floods.
Bilateral Relationship
Chair, this year, we celebrate the 170th anniversary of UK-Thailand diplomatic relations, a considerable milestone that really underscores the enduring strength and depth of our bilateral partnership.
Thailand continues to be one of our most important trading partners in Southeast Asia, and we look forward to convening a second UK-Thailand Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO) between Ministers in the near future.
Reports and Bilateral Trade
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Despite Thailand facing challenges amid global economic volatility in recent years, the trade partnership between the UK and Thailand continues to prosper. In the period from 2024 to 2025, total bilateral trade in goods and services rose by 10.9%, reaching £7.4 billion pounds. This growth is a testament to the robust economic ties we share. It showcases the complementary value that UK expertise brings in key sectors in Thailand’s economy such as services, defence, education, healthcare, digital and technology, all of which are of extreme relevance to the UK.
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From the reports, we commend Thailand’s comprehensive plans for reforms to modernise its trade and investment regime. Chair, I would particularly like to applaud Thailand for the remarkable progress it has made in developing its digital economy from 2019-2024. As the reports highlight, during this five-year period, exports of digitally delivered services experienced a near twofold increase, while imports rose by approximately 49%.
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I would like to also commend Thailand’s ambitious commitment to international standards, and welcome its progress towards OECD membership, with the Initial Memorandum due at the end of this year (a key milestone in the process).
Market Access Barriers
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We see great potential for enhanced collaboration to support Thailand’s progress in the digital sector. However, UK digital service providers continue to encounter trade barriers related to market entry and operational requirements. We were pleased to work closely with Thailand during negotiations under the E-commerce Joint Statement Initiative and we hope that Thailand will join the Agreement shortly. This would not only facilitate more seamless digital trade between the UK and Thailand but also directly support Thailand’s goal of achieving a 30% digital economy by 2030.
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Furthermore, in the food and drinks sector, UK exporters still face significant barriers, including high excise duties under the two-tier system on alcohol (including restrictive labelling rules, and issues with counterfeit and untaxed alcohol). The recent Alcoholic Beverages Control Act has also reintroduced a consumption ban during specified hours of the day. We urge Thailand to build on recent progress by addressing these structural issues, particularly by
- reviewing excise tax practices to align with WTO rules,
- expanding allowances for non-commercial sample imports, and
- considering proportionate reforms to labelling and sales restrictions.
WTO
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Chair, turning to the WTO, let me first highlight the pivotal contribution of Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the WTO and WIPO, H.E. Mrs Pimchanok Pitfield, as well as the contribution of Thai’s wider Mission. During 2023–2024, Ambassador Pitfield chaired the TRIPS Council. We are grateful, too, for the Ambassador’s role in co-chairing a panel on subsidies and industrial policy alongside our previous UK Ambassador.
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We look forward to Thailand’s continued contributions to WTO across WTO negotiations. Like others, we are keen to see Thailand ratify the Fisheries agreement and it is good to hear this should be happening shortly.
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It is encouraging to read about Thailand’s progress in supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and promoting inclusive economic opportunities in the government report. Thailand has set a powerful example by introducing a formal definition of women-owned SMEs, onboarding of the SheTrades Outlook tool, and enabling women entrepreneurs to access targeted support from domestic and international partners.
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The UK welcomes Thailand’s continued participation in the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and encourages them to further their participation in initiatives that support digital trade and intellectual property rights. We also encourage Thailand to consider joining the MPIA and would be happy to discuss the UK’s recent decision to join the arrangement.
Chair, in closing, the UK looks forward to deepening its engagement with Thailand. Thank you, Chair, and thank you to the Thai delegation for your dedication to this important process.
