Thailand’s Commerce Minister Urges Bangkok to Be an ‘Ally to All’ in an Increasingly Polarised Global Order
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Suphajee Suthumpun outlines a strategic vision for Thailand to pursue mutually beneficial partnerships rather than pick sides amid geopolitical division
Thailand’s Commerce Minister, Suphajee Suthumpun, has called on her country to position itself as an inclusive economic partner in a world facing heightened polarisation, arguing that Bangkok should seek cooperation based on shared interests rather than align exclusively with any bloc.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, she warned that global dynamics have evolved beyond the multipolar forecasts of recent years into what she described as “extreme polarisation”, where nations are increasingly pressured to take sides in areas such as trade, technology and security.
Suphajee said Thailand must adapt to this environment by emphasising issue-based negotiations that deliver tangible benefits to all parties, focusing on sectors where mutual advantage exists and creating value through balanced engagement rather than ideological alignment.
She stressed the importance of both exports and imports in trade diplomacy and highlighted tools such as tariffs, non-tariff measures, and support for small and medium enterprises as essential instruments to support strategic partnerships.
Suphajee also underscored Thailand’s geographic and economic advantages, pointing to the country’s potential as a regional trade, investment and logistics hub, and its leadership role in ASEAN’s digital cooperation under the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which aims to expand connectivity and economic integration across the region’s 600 million-strong market.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to upgrading existing free trade agreements to reflect the realities of the current global economy and exploring new markets to reduce over-dependence on any single partner.
She framed this approach as a way to protect Thailand’s economic interests while contributing constructively to a fractured global system, urging policymakers to focus on trust, confidence and practical cooperation as the foundation for enduring international trade relationships.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, she warned that global dynamics have evolved beyond the multipolar forecasts of recent years into what she described as “extreme polarisation”, where nations are increasingly pressured to take sides in areas such as trade, technology and security.
Suphajee said Thailand must adapt to this environment by emphasising issue-based negotiations that deliver tangible benefits to all parties, focusing on sectors where mutual advantage exists and creating value through balanced engagement rather than ideological alignment.
She stressed the importance of both exports and imports in trade diplomacy and highlighted tools such as tariffs, non-tariff measures, and support for small and medium enterprises as essential instruments to support strategic partnerships.
Suphajee also underscored Thailand’s geographic and economic advantages, pointing to the country’s potential as a regional trade, investment and logistics hub, and its leadership role in ASEAN’s digital cooperation under the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which aims to expand connectivity and economic integration across the region’s 600 million-strong market.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to upgrading existing free trade agreements to reflect the realities of the current global economy and exploring new markets to reduce over-dependence on any single partner.
She framed this approach as a way to protect Thailand’s economic interests while contributing constructively to a fractured global system, urging policymakers to focus on trust, confidence and practical cooperation as the foundation for enduring international trade relationships.
