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Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phunketkeo spoke to Euronews on the sidelines of the 4th EU-Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels. November 20th and 21stsaid it is essential to deepen cooperation between the European Union and the Indo-Pacific region, as the EU’s presence provides a balance of power between the United States and China.
Mr Phunket Kaeo noted that relations with the EU have strengthened over the past year, particularly through the ongoing negotiations of the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
He said talks were “progressing well” and added: “We hope to reach a deal, probably by next year.” However, key issues such as market access, government procurement, intellectual property, and even environmental and human rights standards are “still on the table”.
He said the EU-Thailand Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which came into force last year, was “working very well” and that “the private sector in many EU countries is interested in this opportunity”. Thailand’s strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it a “platform” for investment in the region, he said.
Phanketkeo said Thailand is currently transitioning to a more digital and greener economy and believes that “the EU has a lot to offer Thailand and other ASEAN countries” in this area.
The EU as a balance of power
Asked whether the EU could be a reliable partner for Thailand in countering China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia, Phanketkeo said Thailand supports a multipolar world and seeks constructive relations with all major powers.
While China remains Thailand’s largest trading partner, US involvement is considered essential for regional security. But he also expressed concern about Washington’s increasing use of tariffs, saying: “We are also concerned about tariffs and protectionist policies on the US side right now. As you know, we think this is not helpful to the multilateral trading system.”
However, he welcomed greater EU involvement in economic, political and security areas, arguing that this would contribute to a more balanced regional power relationship.
Thailand’s foreign policy plan
Finally, Mr Phunket Kaew outlined Thailand’s new foreign policy priorities, which he said mainly include promoting peace in the region, addressing the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, resolving tensions with neighboring Cambodia, strengthening the ASEAN community, and tackling global challenges such as climate change, human trafficking and cybersecurity.
The forum brought together around 70 representatives from EU institutions, EU member states, and national and regional organizations in the Indo-Pacific region. The 11 ASEAN member countries are Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, and Brunei.