Thailand: Thailand and the United Kingdom aim to achieve a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to upgrade trade and investment as they celebrate 170 years of diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, joined by British Ambassador Mark Gooding and representatives of the British Chamber of Commerce, told a reception marking the milestone that the two countries should move forward to create a future together, building on the foundation of trust established over the past 170 years.

According to Thai News Agency, the event also celebrated the 80th anniversary of the British Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, highlighting the role of the UK as a long-standing development partner. Prime Minister Anutin noted that British companies play a key role in the Thai economy through investment and knowledge transfer, while Thai businesses have expanded investments in the UK, supporting the local economy and strengthening people-to-people ties.

The Prime Minister also emphasized that cooperation extends beyond the economy to dimensions such as sports, citing Thai investment in Leicester City Football Club as a point of shared pride. He stated that both nations should now push for an FTA to open more trade and investment opportunities and expand cooperation in various fields to be more comprehensive and concrete, for the benefit of the people of both countries.