Politics EU-Thailand FTA Negotiations Progress Despite Political Challenges

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the European Union are progressing well, according to Bernd Lange, Chair of the Committee on International Trade and European Parliament member. Despite historical political uncertainties in Thailand, both parties aim to finalise the agreement by the end of the year.

 

Lange noted that crafting such comprehensive trade agreements is a complex process, often comprising around 500 pages of conditions and articles. “The progress is really good,” Lange reassured in a recent online interview with Thai PBS World, while acknowledging the time required to reach a final decision.

 

The FTA talks, which first began in March 2013, were interrupted by Thailand’s political instability following the 2014 military coup. However, negotiations resumed in March 2023, renewing hopes for a successful trade partnership.

 

 

 

In light of global economic uncertainties, particularly due to US tariff policies, Lange emphasised the importance of cooperation between the EU and ASEAN countries. While an overarching FTA with all ASEAN nations is currently impractical, Lange is optimistic about bilateral agreements. He recently led a delegation to Indonesia to expedite an agreement there and noted that the EU already has FTAs with Singapore and Vietnam, leading to a 20% increase in EU investment in ASEAN.

 

The EU hopes to collaborate with ASEAN on renewable energy projects, reinforcing its role as a dependable trading partner. Lange underscored that, unlike current US trade policies, the EU offers stability and predictability in its trade relations.

 

As Thai-EU negotiations move forward, there is optimism that this FTA could enhance economic ties and foster greater collaboration, contributing to economic stability in the region. Both parties continue to work towards a mutually beneficial agreement amid the dynamic global trade environment.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-05-01

 

 

[newbee2022]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the European Union are progressing well, according to Bernd Lange, Chair of the Committee on International Trade and European Parliament member. Despite historical political uncertainties in Thailand, both parties aim to finalise the agreement by the end of the year.

 

Lange noted that crafting such comprehensive trade agreements is a complex process, often comprising around 500 pages of conditions and articles. “The progress is really good,” Lange reassured in a recent online interview with Thai PBS World, while acknowledging the time required to reach a final decision.

 

The FTA talks, which first began in March 2013, were interrupted by Thailand’s political instability following the 2014 military coup. However, negotiations resumed in March 2023, renewing hopes for a successful trade partnership.

 

 

 

In light of global economic uncertainties, particularly due to US tariff policies, Lange emphasised the importance of cooperation between the EU and ASEAN countries. While an overarching FTA with all ASEAN nations is currently impractical, Lange is optimistic about bilateral agreements. He recently led a delegation to Indonesia to expedite an agreement there and noted that the EU already has FTAs with Singapore and Vietnam, leading to a 20% increase in EU investment in ASEAN.

 

The EU hopes to collaborate with ASEAN on renewable energy projects, reinforcing its role as a dependable trading partner. Lange underscored that, unlike current US trade policies, the EU offers stability and predictability in its trade relations.

 

As Thai-EU negotiations move forward, there is optimism that this FTA could enhance economic ties and foster greater collaboration, contributing to economic stability in the region. Both parties continue to work towards a mutually beneficial agreement amid the dynamic global trade environment.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-05-01

 

 

Oh, human rights are not on the agenda anymore?

Money talks only?

[Srikcir]

37 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

human rights

Can be part of an FTA. 

[newbee2022]

1 minute ago, Srikcir said:

Can be part of an FTA. 

It's not mentioned in this thread/article

[Caldera]

About time that they get this over the finish line!

[tomazbodner]

26 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

It's not mentioned in this thread/article

Neither are the other 499+ pages of FTA documentation.

[newbee2022]

50 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

Neither are the other 499+ pages of FTA documentation.

That leads directly to your nonsense post.

[hotchilli]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Despite historical political uncertainties in Thailand, both parties aim to finalise the agreement by the end of the year.

yada yada yada....

[impulse]

I'll betcha there's still a huge import duty on Euro cars. 

 

I wonder what the F in FTA really stands for?  I'd guess, but I think that word is censored here.