PARIS: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed Thai ambassadors and consuls-general across Europe to accelerate negotiations on the Thailand-European Union free trade agreement (FTA).
The diplomats are also tasked with promoting what Mr Anutin called "Diplomacy 2.0" -- a more proactive and practical foreign policy approach to ramp up trade, investment and Thailand's global standing.
Speaking at a meeting of Thai ambassadors and consuls-general stationed in Europe on Sunday in Paris, Mr Anutin, who is currently on an official visit to France, said Thailand must position itself as one of the world's most attractive investment destinations amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.
Thailand and the EU are expected to hold their ninth round of FTA negotiations in Brussels in June. Thailand aims to conclude the talks quickly to avoid losing competitiveness against countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia, which already have FTAs with the EU.
Mr Anutin told diplomats that Europe should no longer be viewed simply as a trading partner, but as part of a rapidly changing global environment in which Thailand could benefit from its strategic location at the centre of Asean.
"When major powers are facing tensions among themselves, Asean remains stable and strong, with a population capable of supporting regional growth," he said.
The prime minister described "Diplomacy 2.0" as a tangible and proactive form of diplomacy designed to maintain balance amid global conflicts while focusing on four pillars: security, economic cooperation, social and environmental issues and humanitarian affairs.
He also stressed that Thailand's current political stability should reassure foreign investors.
