Thailand – EIAS

Converging Interests of Europe and ASEAN in a (More) Multipolar Global Economy

The 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur took place amid rising geoeconomic uncertainty, reaffirming ASEAN’s commitment to rules-based trade and welcoming Timor-Leste as its 11th member. The meeting was overshadowed by US President Trump’s pursuit of bilateral deals with individual ASEAN states, exposing varying national vulnerabilities to US tariff measures and their economic fallout. In this context, the EU has a key opportunity to strengthen its role as a stable and predictable economic partner, underlineing the opportunity for a deeper ASEAN-EU partnership grounded in predictability, mutual benefit and in respect of ASEAN’s unique regional order.

ASEAN’s Kuala Lumpur Summit: The Test of Regional Relevance

The 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur demonstrated that ASEAN still has diplomatic relevance: it expanded to include Timor-Leste, brokered a truce between Cambodia and Thailand, and attracted high-level participation from global powers. Yet, the Summit also exposed the limits of ASEAN’s influence. Political momentum is real, but fragile, and whether these outcomes lead to lasting progress will depend on implementation under the Philippines’ incoming chairmanship.

Thailand–EU FTA Negotiations: Hidden Hurdles and Easy Wins

Despite confidence from leaders, both parties are walking a tightrope between their international interests and domestic anxieties.

Visiting Delegation of the Standing Committee on Energy of the House of Representatives of Thailand

On 31 May 2024 EIAS hosted a Visiting Delegation of the Standing Committee on Energy of the House of Representatives of Thailand, during a roundtable meeting. The Thai Delegation was visiting Belgium and France to attend meetings with policy makers, experts and other relevant stakeholders working in the field of energy.

Resumption of the EU-Thailand Free Trade Agreement: A Catalyst for Growth and Collaboration

In an era marked by profound and unprecedented geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, supply chain disruptions, and global economic downturn, the revival of negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and Thailand signifies an opportunity to revitalise the economic relations between the two long-time trading partners. Leveraging the foundation laid by the EU-Thai Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed on 14 December 2022, both parties have affirmed their commitment towards upholding the rules-based international order. The PCA is the reflection of the EU’s strategic intent to address the increasing geopolitical risks, economic uncertainties, and the climate crisis by actively cultivating like-minded alliances in the Indo-Pacific region.

Thailand’s Recent Election Results: A “Thai-breaker” or “Thai-Maker” for its Future Relationship with the EU?

On 14 May 2023, Thailand saw almost 40 million people head to the polls to vote in its first national election post-COVID, the largest turnout of any Thai election thus far. This election can be considered as one of the most significant political events in Thailand since the pro-democracy movement of the mid-1970s. Over 70 parties competed within the election, with over half of the votes going to two opposition parties: Move Forward and Pheu Thai. However, Thailand has found itself in a political stalemate as it still awaits the final outcome of the May election.

Thailand: Role Model and Bridge Builder for EU-ASEAN Cooperation in Combatting IUU Fishing

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing is one of the most serious threats to marine ecosystems, undermining the national and regional efforts to conserve and manage fish stocks. With an estimated global value of IUU fishing between 10-20 billion EUR per year, one in every five fish is illegally caught from IUU fishing activities annually. Moreover, IUU fishing also comes with social and economic implications since it undermines the fairness of responsible fishermen and gives rise to forced labour and human trafficking.

Southeast Asia’s Summit Season

In November 2022, Southeast Asia entered the centre of global attention as the region hosted an unprecedented group of major international summits: the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Related Summits in Cambodia on 10-13 November, the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit in Indonesia on 15-16 November and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Thailand on 18-19 November. Yet, as the summit season gathered the world’s leaders to foster stronger international cooperation, the gatherings were dominated by soaring diplomatic tensions and the growing strategic polarisation, consequently putting Southeast Asia’s international leadership to the test.

Thailand’s “Green Transition”: Implications of the EU Green Deal and improving EU-Thailand Trade Relations

Thailand could be a leader in ASEAN in terms of « Green Transition ». If Bangkok successfully transitions towards a greener economy and comply with the EU Green Deal’s legislation, the EU and Thailand could resume the signing of the 2013 EU-Thailand Partnership Cooperation Agreement and negotiations around a Free-Trade Agreement.