Thailand and the United Kingdom have agreed to strengthen trade and economic cooperation as Bangkok pushes ahead with its goal of joining the OECD by 2028, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said.
Ms Suphajee said she met British Ambassador Mark Gooding on Friday ahead of the completion of his diplomatic mission in Thailand next month. The talks focused on expanding economic ties and trade partnerships amid growing uncertainty in the global economy.
She said the Thailand-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) remains an important mechanism for advancing cooperation in sectors including automotive manufacturing, agriculture, food and beverages, healthcare, education and customs administration.
Bilateral trade has increased by 24% over the past five years, rising from about US$5.5 billion (180.4 billion baht) to US$6.8 billion, says the Commerce Ministry.
In 2025, total trade between the two countries reached US$6.84 billion, up 2.75% year-on-year. Thailand exported US$4.43 billion worth of goods to the UK and imported US$2.41 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$2.01 billion.
Thailand's key exports included processed chicken, gems and jewellery, machinery and parts, motorcycles and automobiles, while imports consisted mainly of machinery, integrated circuits, scientific and medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and beverages.
During the meeting, Ms Suphajee reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to securing membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development by 2028.
Her remarks followed the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris last week, where Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Thailand was pursuing broader economic reforms focused on human capital development, innovation, digital infrastructure and green technology.
He said targeted incentives, strong foreign direct investment (FDI) strategies, and domestic supply chain development have transformed Thailand from an agriculture-based economy into a regional manufacturing hub.
