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British Chamber of Commerce calls for more urgency on free trade talks to boost trade and investment

Thai Examiner | English | News | Nov. 11, 2025 | UndeterminedTrade Issues and Numbers

The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) is urging the Thai government to accelerate negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom to prevent UK exporters and investors from being disadvantaged once Thailand’s trade deal with the European Union (EU) takes effect in 2026. With Thailand finalizing agreements with the US and EU, British business leaders seek tariff and regulatory benefits comparable to the EU’s terms, pressing for reforms to Thailand’s Foreign Business Act and streamlined approval processes to enhance trade and investment flows.

Discussions between the UK and Thailand began under the Joint Economic and Trade Committee framework, resulting in an Enhanced Trade Partnership signed in 2024, but talks have since slowed due to global tariff shifts and US policy changes in 2025. The BCCT highlights that without a timely UK-Thai FTA, enhanced EU trade preferences could shift trade towards Europe, leaving UK companies at a competitive disadvantage. The chamber, representing over 560 members across sectors like education, energy, retail, and finance, considers regulatory clarity and faster approvals critical for investor confidence and market access.

BCCT President Pinyapa Somphong emphasized that outdated legislation, especially Annex 3 of the Foreign Business Act, and bureaucratic overlap between investment agencies deter foreign investment. She pointed to Vietnam's progress in streamlining procedures as a benchmark. The chamber’s recent talks with the Thai Chamber of Commerce reinforced the urgency of concluding UK trade negotiations before the EU deal’s implementation, aiming to secure fair competition, alignment with international standards, and increased foreign capital inflows.

The BCCT remains optimistic about resuming and concluding UK-Thai trade talks in 2026, warning that delays could distort trade flows and investment patterns. Continuous dialogue between UK and Thai authorities, along with regulatory reforms, are seen as essential to prevent competitive disadvantages for UK exporters and protect market balance amid expanding global trade agreements.

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