Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has urged “Team Thailand” in Europe to drive proactive diplomacy, actively boost Thailand’s image, strengthen confidence, and attract foreign investment.

Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said that the Prime Minister on 24 May 2026 in Paris chaired a meeting with the Thai ambassadors and consuls-general tenured in 24 Europe nations to exchange views on driving forward the Government’s policy directives. Participating in the meeting were deputy prime ministers, ministers, and high-level executives of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting discussed the following key issues:

1. Accelerating Thailand - EU FTA 

The Prime Minister stated that one of the Government’s urgent policies included in the national agenda is to expedite conclusion of the Thailand - EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The issue is highly prioritized by both Thai and international businesses, as it will reduce tariff and trade barriers, and open greater opportunities for quality Thai products and raw materials in the European market. In order to push forward the finalization of the Thailand - EU FTA, the Government has adjusted its working approach through adopting a “cluster” model to ensure work integration among all agencies. 

Several Ambassadors reflected that Thailand has regained international attention, being “back on the global radar,” not only as a producer but also as an “economic partner,” contributing to the strengthening of the global supply chain. They also noted that countries which have signed FTAs earlier have seen significant increases in exports to the EU.

2. Proactive diplomacy that covers security, economy, society, environment, and humanitarian dimensions 

The Prime Minister highlighted “Diplomacy 2.0,” the tangible and proactive diplomacy strategy that aims to maintain balance amid global conflicts through four key approaches, namely, Diplomacy of Strategy, Diplomacy of Speed, Diplomacy of Coherence, and Diplomacy of Communication. The “Diplomacy 2.0” will be implemented toward concrete and people-centered outcomes.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas added that Thailand is now ready to welcome trade and investment. The Government commits to developing infrastructure and human capital. Collaboration has been made with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat on the development of educational programs and workforce skill enhancement. Energy transition will also be pushed forward to promote clean energy for future industries.

3. Elevating Standards toward OECD Membership 

The Government is accelerating its efforts to elevate national laws and standards to align with those of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development OECD, as part of Thailand’s application for membership. The Prime Minister emphasized the Government’s goal to achieve this within three years, earlier than the original five-year target.

4. Showcasing Thailand’s strengths in food security and future energy 

The Prime Minister disclosed his vision exchanges with the ASEAN leaders, noting that all countries have identified “food security” as a regional agenda, in which Thailand has strong potential.

5. Thailand’s hosting of major global events 

This year forward, Thailand will host several major international conferences and exhibitions which will further put the country in the “global spotlight.” These include: 1) Gastech 2026, the world’s largest energy exhibition, in September, 2) the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in October, and 3) Global Wellness Summit in November. 

In conclusion, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to become the region’s strategic hub, with its strengths in political stability, investment infrastructure, and a robust private sector. With the collaboration among all stakeholders, be it, the Government, private sector, BOI, and Thai embassies in Europe, to work as “Team Thailand,” the country’s strategic advancement to the forefront of the global stage will certainly be accomplished.