Hanoi (NNT/VNA) – Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, acting on behalf of the Prime Minister, has met with David Daly, Ambassador of the European Union to Thailand, during the latter’s official farewell.

Phumtham expressed appreciation for Ambassador Daly’s contributions in advancing the ongoing relations and cooperation between Thailand and the EU. He reaffirmed the Thai government’s commitment to deepening and strengthening cooperation with the European Union in order to enhance bilateral relations across all dimensions.

Ambassador Daly highlighted the steady and progressive development in relations between Thailand and the EU, confirming the EU’s readiness to work closely with Thailand to build a stronger, more comprehensive, and sustainable partnership. He also emphasised the Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) as a vital framework guiding the future direction of Thailand-EU relations. This agreement is founded on shared interests and values, ensuring broad and lasting cooperation.

The two sides also addressed several key areas of cooperation. Regarding unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham thanked the EU for providing financial support to assist civilians affected by the situation. He noted that EU support has been essential in alleviating hardship for affected people and in restoring stability to the region

Ambassador Daly expressed condolences for those impacted by the events, affirming the EU’s continued commitment to supporting affected individuals. Both parties shared confidence that the situation could be resolved through peaceful means, aiming to reduce tensions and achieve sustainable security and peace.

On trade, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham stressed the importance of swiftly concluding the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to strengthen economic cooperation amidst global economic challenges. He welcomed progress made during the latest negotiation round in Bangkok in June 2025, where agreement in principle was reached on seven out of 24 chapters.

Ambassador Daly confirmed the EU's commitment to working closely with Thailand on the next negotiation round, scheduled for September 29 to October 3, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. He indicated that the FTA would blend traditional trade concerns with modern topics, such as government procurement and intellectual property, making the agreement relevant for today’s global economy.

In addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham thanked the EU for its ongoing attention to this matter. He highlighted Thailand’s serious efforts and progress in implementing corrective measures, which have brought national fisheries management in line with international standards and resulted in Thailand being designated as “IUU-Free” and listed in Tier 2 for a third consecutive year. Thailand has amended its fisheries legislation to promote sustainability and improve the livelihoods of Thai fishermen, supported by an appointed commission overseeing these matters.

Ambassador Daly reaffirmed the EU’s willingness to work with Thailand to ensure long-term sustainable fisheries in line with international standards, benefiting both the industry’s competitiveness and fishers’ well-being, while also supporting environmental and community welfare.

🧸 Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham concluded by reiterating Thailand’s commitment to international rules and willingness to work alongside the EU as a key partner. He stated that Thailand aims to advance cooperation in addressing new challenges, including drug suppression, cybercrime, and sustainable development, for the benefit of the region and the global community./.