Bangkok: Talks between Thailand's government and European business leaders concluded favorably, with a strong show of support for Thailand's ambitions in Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and its pursuit of membership in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul disclosed that discussions with executives from the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC) were productive. The European business delegation expressed their commitment to expanding investments in Thailand, appreciating the nation's receptiveness to their concerns during both domestic and international dialogues. They also called for backing from the European business sector as the Thailand-EU FTA negotiations reach their final stages, with aspirations to finalize the agreement by the end of 2026.
Prime Minister Anutin acknowledged that while the FTA negotiations faced delays due to disagreements, both parties are striving to achieve solutions that are mutually beneficial. Achieving a successful FTA is expected to boost trade between Thailand and the European Union by removing tariff barriers for Thai exports. Anutin further highlighted that challenges, primarily concerning raw materials and the agricultural sector, are being addressed with cautious strategies to protect the interests of all stakeholders involved.
Beyond the FTA discussions, the agenda included seeking support for Thailand's prospective membership in the OECD. This membership is pivotal, as it promises to unlock new avenues for trade, investment, and national standards enhancement, promoting a comprehensive approach that includes advancing FTAs and accelerating public sector investments through projects like Thailand Fast Pass.
Addressing concerns about meeting the 2028 target for OECD membership, Anutin committed to thorough preparation of necessary documentation and operational details, emphasizing that the final decision lies with the review committee. He reassured that the recent corruption issues in local government exams would not impede Thailand's OECD ambitions, highlighting the country's systems for tackling corruption effectively.
The Prime Minister maintained that the ongoing corruption investigations are separate from the OECD membership process, underscoring the importance of good governance and accountability. He noted that several robust agencies, including the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Royal Thai Police, are actively addressing the issue, ensuring that it does not affect Thailand's international standing.
In conclusion, Anutin stressed that any decisions regarding the Central Committee for Local Government Officials or Employees are to be handled by the relevant authorities in compliance with the law, reinforcing the government's commitment to transparency and legal integrity.