On 24 September 2025, the Board of Investment (BOI) Office in Frankfurt, responsible for promoting investment with Belgium, organized the 11th Thai-Belgian Business Forum at the European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) in Brussels. The event was attended by around 80 participants, including businesspeople from various sectors, Belgian and EU government officials, as well as media representatives—most of whom are either investing in or interested in investing in Thailand.

 

H.E. Mrs. Kanchana Patarachoke, Ambassador of Thailand to Belgium, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the close ties between Thailand and Belgium, as well as investment opportunities in sectors where Belgium is strong and Thailand has growing demand, such as food and agriculture, recycling, pharmaceuticals, and medical industries. She also emphasized Thailand’s strengths, including its well-developed infrastructure, electricity, high-speed internet, quality of life, healthcare services, and international schools for expatriate families. Importantly, she underscored the progress of negotiations on the Thailand–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which both sides wish to conclude swiftly. ASEAN, she noted, is one of the fastest-growing regions compared to other parts of the world.

 

Ms. Tanita Sirisup, BOI Senior Executive Investment Advisor, presented Thailand’s strengths in various areas. Thailand is the second-largest economy in ASEAN, with 17 free trade agreements covering 24 countries/economic entities. The country boasts advanced infrastructure, reliable electricity, fast internet, and a skilled workforce capable of supporting investment. It offers four categories of long-term visas and hosts 78 industrial estates across 17 provinces. The growing number of foreign investment applications received by BOI reflects increasing global confidence in Thailand as an investment destination. She also outlined Thailand’s investment promotion measures, particularly in strategic industries such as batteries and energy storage, semiconductors, medical and healthcare, aerospace, automation and robotics, advanced materials, and high value-added services. Investors may benefit from tax exemptions of up to 13 years, with BOI ready to provide full support and investment-related information.

 

Mr. Wouter Beke, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Countries of Southeast Asia and the ASEAN (DASE) of the European Parliament, stressed that for the EU, Thailand is not just an option but a strategic destination. Conversely, for Thailand, the EU is a reliable partner with a shared future. Both sides can work together to promote diversity, creativity, and resilience in a changing geopolitical landscape shaped by trade conflicts, COVID-19, regional wars, and climate change—all of which highlight supply chain vulnerabilities and the EU’s need to diversify its partnerships. ASEAN and Thailand are therefore crucial strategic partners for the EU. He also noted areas where Thailand and the EU can complement each other: 1. EV industry – Thailand is the automotive hub of ASEAN, while the EU pursues the Green Deal toward a sustainable, zero-pollution society. 2. Electronics and semiconductors – Thailand is an integral part of global supply chains and a trusted EU partner. 3. Digital economy – Thailand serves as a hub for e-commerce, fintech, and smart cities, while the EU excels in regulation and cybersecurity. 4. Energy and environment – Thailand promotes the Bio-Circular-Green Economy, aligned with the EU Green Deal, offering opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy and the circular economy. 5. Tourism, medical services, and healthcare – Thailand’s strengths in tourism and healthcare complement the EU’s expertise in technology, pharmaceuticals, and medicine.

 

Ms. Siribhusaya Ungphakorn, Minister (Commerce), gave a presentation on “Progress and Impact of Thailand-EU FTA”, reporting on the ongoing negotiations, with the 7th round to be held in Brussels. Once concluded, the FTA is expected to increase bilateral trade by 3% and investment by 2.74% annually. It would also expand market access, strengthen supply chains for critical raw materials, and enhance Thailand’s industrial and environmental standards. Thailand could further serve as a key supplier of agricultural products to the EU. The EU is Thailand’s 4th largest trading partner and 2nd largest investor, while Thailand ranks as the EU’s 28th trading partner.

The forum also featured exchanges from private sector investors active in Thailand, including a representative of Senet Group, a legal and consulting service provider, a former Flanders Investment and Trade representative in Thailand, and a representative of Mediagenix, a content and rights management software company for the media and entertainment industry, which has chosen Thailand as its base for the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Thai Airways representatives took the opportunity to promote the Bangkok–Brussels direct flight, operating daily since December 2024, which will further support trade, investment, and tourism between the two countries.

 

This event reflects the readiness of Team Thailand to support and facilitate Belgian investment in Thailand, as well as to promote Thai trade and investment in Belgium, thereby strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.