Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with Mr. José Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain co-chaired the 8th Thailand - Spain Political Consultations in Madrid on 21 October 2026.

The report from the Ministry of foreign Affairs stated that it marked the first time the meeting was elevated to the ministerial level, reflecting the growing interest both sides attach to their relations and cooperation.

Both sides discussed ways to enhance political and security cooperation, including promoting high-level exchanges, as well as defense and security cooperation, particularly relating to cybersecurity and combating online scams.

On economic cooperation, both sides discussed promoting trade and investment, which have potential for further growth, particularly in renewable energy, medical technology, nanotechnology and infrastructure development. They also supported cooperation in the defense industry, as well as research and innovation. In addition, both sides discussed promoting tourism cooperation and supporting a resumption of direct flights between Bangkok and Madrid.

Within the Thailand - European Union (EU) framework, Thailand sought Spain’s support for advancing the Thailand - EU Free Trade Agreement. They also discussed promoting ASEAN - EU cooperation and Thailand’s accession process to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Thailand also pursued cooperation toward visa exemption for Thai nationals travelling to the Schengen Area and sought support to Thailand’s candidatures in the elections of international organizations.

Both sides then exchanged views on key international and regional developments, including the Russia - Ukraine conflict, the situation in the Middle East, the Thailand - Cambodia situation, and the situation in Myanmar.

On this occasion, both sides signed the Agreement on the Exemption of Visa Requirements for Holders of Official Passports and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs and the Diplomatic School of Spain. They also expressed support for expediting the signing of a memorandum of understanding on infrastructure and transport in the future.

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak delivered a keynote address with Mr. José Manuel Albares at the opening of the 4th Spain – Thailand Forum, held under the theme "Innovation, Technology and Cooperation for a Shared Digital Future" at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation in Madrid.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the Forum as a Track 1.5 platform building on the outcomes of the 8th Thailand–Spain Political Consultations held earlier the same day. He welcomed Spain's Asia-Pacific Strategy 2026–2029 as an opportunity to expand cooperation in science, technology and education. Amid major-power competition, Thailand and Spain, as middle powers, can jointly uphold the rules-based international order, in line with Thailand's "Act from the Middle" approach and Diplomacy 2.0, which seeks to engage all sectors. 

The Deputy Prime Minister also reiterated that the Forum will enable leading academics from Thailand and Spain to exchange views and explore avenues for cooperation in cybersecurity, smart cities, and science and technology.

The Forum was co-organized by the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA), the International Studies Center (ISC), and Casa Asia as the main partners with support from the Royal Thai Embassy in Madrid and the Embassy of Spain in Bangkok. Government and academic experts took part from Thammasat University, NXPO, STIPI and depa on the Thai side, and from Adigital, Elcano Royal Institute, Barcelona City Council, Anteverti, Spanish National Research Council, Center for Technological Development and Innovation, on the Spanish side.