Thailand Seeks Stronger EU Engagement to Help Balance Indo-Pacific Power Dynamics
Foreign Minister calls for deeper EU-Thailand cooperation and emphasises the bloc’s role between the United States and China
Thailand’s Foreign Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said at the sidelines of the fourth 4th EU–Indo‑Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels on 20–21 November 2025 that closer alignment between Thailand and the European Union (EU) is essential in helping maintain a balanced power dynamic between the United States and China in Southeast Asia.
He highlighted that this year’s partnership — notably the Thailand-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) — has progressed strongly and that negotiations on a full free-trade agreement (FTA) are advancing “with good progress” and could be concluded by next year.
He acknowledged, however, that market-access, government-procurement, intellectual-property protections, and environmental and human-rights standards remain under discussion.
Minister Sihasak described Thailand’s strategic location at the centre of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as a platform for EU investment and that the country is actively shifting towards a more digitalised and green economy.
He said the European bloc has much to offer in these domains for both Thailand and its neighbours.
On the broader geopolitical stage, he affirmed Thailand’s support for a multipolar world order and a constructive role for all major powers, while also voicing concern about increasing U.S. tariffs and protectionism, which he warned could undermine the rules-based trading system.
He welcomed deeper EU economic, political and security engagement in the Indo-Pacific as contributing to regional stability and balance.
He further said that Thailand would continue its focus on peace and cooperation across the region, citing the implementation of de-mining and border-management commitments, the Cambodia-border situation, the Myanmar crisis, cyber-security and human-trafficking as priorities within Thailand’s renewed foreign-policy framework.
As the EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum brings together around seventy delegations from Europe and the region, the minister’s remarks underscore the importance Bangkok places on aligning with the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Analysts say Thailand’s stance reflects the government’s aim to raise its diplomatic profile and attract higher-value, resilient investment into the ASEAN region.
He highlighted that this year’s partnership — notably the Thailand-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) — has progressed strongly and that negotiations on a full free-trade agreement (FTA) are advancing “with good progress” and could be concluded by next year.
He acknowledged, however, that market-access, government-procurement, intellectual-property protections, and environmental and human-rights standards remain under discussion.
Minister Sihasak described Thailand’s strategic location at the centre of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region as a platform for EU investment and that the country is actively shifting towards a more digitalised and green economy.
He said the European bloc has much to offer in these domains for both Thailand and its neighbours.
On the broader geopolitical stage, he affirmed Thailand’s support for a multipolar world order and a constructive role for all major powers, while also voicing concern about increasing U.S. tariffs and protectionism, which he warned could undermine the rules-based trading system.
He welcomed deeper EU economic, political and security engagement in the Indo-Pacific as contributing to regional stability and balance.
He further said that Thailand would continue its focus on peace and cooperation across the region, citing the implementation of de-mining and border-management commitments, the Cambodia-border situation, the Myanmar crisis, cyber-security and human-trafficking as priorities within Thailand’s renewed foreign-policy framework.
As the EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum brings together around seventy delegations from Europe and the region, the minister’s remarks underscore the importance Bangkok places on aligning with the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Analysts say Thailand’s stance reflects the government’s aim to raise its diplomatic profile and attract higher-value, resilient investment into the ASEAN region.
