UPDATE: Thailand-EU FTA talks near finish after 10th round in Phuket
Thailand and the EU have completed the 10th round of FTA talks in Phuket, with most negotiating text substantially concluded but market access and policy issues still requiring further talks.
Thailand and the European Union have completed the 10th round of negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA), held in Phuket from 28 September to 6 October 2026. Market access remains the main unresolved issue, with some policy matters also requiring further talks, according to Thailand's Ministry of Commerce.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said most of the negotiating text had been substantially concluded, bringing the talks close to the finish line. The remaining discussions include market access for goods, services and investment, as well as government procurement.
Both sides have exchanged offers and discussed priority products and business sectors, while taking account of sensitive areas on each side. Suphajee said the talks would be accelerated, with Thailand and the EU aiming to conclude the negotiations and summarise the results by the end of 2026.
The ministry said the EU was Thailand's fourth-largest trading partner in 2025, after China, the United States and Japan. Two-way trade totalled US$45.03 billion, up 3.44% from 2024. Thai exports to the EU were worth US$26.45 billion, up 9.27%, while imports were worth US$18.58 billion, down 3.86%, giving Thailand a reported trade surplus of US$7.86 billion.
