Paris: The Prime Minister instructed the ambassadors of 24 European countries to accelerate the implementation of the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement, while setting a target for OECD membership within 3 years, down from the previously set 5 years.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul chaired a meeting of ambassadors and consuls general to the European region, attended by 24 countries in France. He stated that the ambassadors' mission is to demonstrate to other countries that Thailand is a top choice, not because of cheap labor, but because of its readiness and robust supply chains. This should give them confidence in expanding their businesses and becoming stronger. He added that, in the private sector, ambassadors act as "directors of marketing." Thailand is also moving forward with upgrading its standards to meet the requirements of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to support its OECD membership application, which needs to be achieved within three years, short of the previously set five years.
The Prime Minister mentioned his meetings with Thai and foreign business leaders, emphasizing the importance of the Thailand-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He stated that this agreement will help reduce tariff and trade barriers, opening up greater access for high-quality Thai goods and raw materials in the European market. He also assured the public of the revised operational structure, integrating all units into a cluster-based approach to accelerate the conclusion of the FTA negotiations.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Thailand is ready to become a strategic hub in the region, leveraging its strengths in political stability, infrastructure capable of supporting investment, and a robust private sector. With cooperation from all parties-the government, the private sector, the BOI, and the Thai Embassies in Europe-working as "Team Thailand," the agility to implement national strategies and propel Thailand to the forefront of the global stage is certain to succeed in the future.