Thailand is adjusting its trade policies and economic strategy in response to intensifying geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, and global supply chain disruptions.

Speaking at the Bangkok Post Forum 2025, Dr Nalinee Taveesin, president of Thailand Trade Representatives, said the country is focused on resilience, international cooperation, and investing in high-potential sectors.

Thailand continues to support the multilateral trading system while pursuing new free trade agreements with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and South Korea.

The country is also working to deepen regional integration through ASEAN, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and bilateral agreements with Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

Efforts are also underway to gain membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which would involve adopting reforms consistent with innovation-led economies.

Domestically, Thailand is building supply chains designed to withstand external shocks.

The Eastern Economic Corridor is positioned to become a major hub for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and innovation within the ASEAN region.

Thailand is also supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting digital tools and accessing cross-border platforms to ensure that its digital transformation is inclusive.

Thailand is expanding its export footprint by exploring new markets such as Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Eurasian Economic Union.

In 2024, the European Union ranked as Thailand’s fifth-largest export market with twenty-four point two billion dollars in trade, followed by the Middle East at eleven point eight billion dollars.

Key export sectors identified include the digital economy, smart technologies, electric vehicles and components, semiconductors, advanced electronics, medical and wellness services, healthcare tourism, and logistics.

Recent developments such as the creation of the National Semiconductor Board and investment in AI and data infrastructure reflect Thailand’s pivot toward future-ready industries.

Thailand is promoting a bio-circular-green economy model that combines sustainable resource use, waste reduction, and environmental conservation.

The country has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by the year twenty sixty-five.

To support this economic shift, the Thai government is implementing a workforce development program.

Plans include training two hundred eighty thousand workers in high-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and semiconductors over five years.

Ten million people are expected to receive basic AI training, while ninety thousand will be trained as AI professionals and fifty thousand as AI developers.

Additionally, the “One Family, One Soft Power” initiative is supporting local creators in industries such as food, film, design, and digital content.

The Board of Investment has rolled out targeted measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in adopting new technologies and mitigating risks from global trade restrictions.

Oversight has also been increased on production processes and hiring practices in industries sensitive to international trade pressures.