Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade is sharpening its focus on small and medium-sized enterprises as the country prepares for a new chapter in global commerce. The upcoming Thailand–EFTA Free Trade Agreement, expected to take effect in early 2027, is being positioned as a gateway for Thai businesses to penetrate high-value markets in Europe, particularly Switzerland and Norway. The strategy reflects a broader push to ensure SMEs harness the full potential of free trade agreements as tools to expand their reach and elevate their products into premium segments worldwide.

Recent figures underscore the momentum. In the first half of the year, Thai entrepreneurs exercised FTA privileges worth more than 1.57 trillion baht, a 7.33 percent increase from the same period last year. This accounted for over 80 percent of the value of export goods eligible under FTAs. ASEAN remains the top destination, followed by China, India, Japan, and Australia. The leading products benefiting from these agreements include fresh durian, synthetic rubber blends, jewelry, and precious metals. These numbers highlight not only the scale of Thailand’s trade activity but also the growing sophistication of its export portfolio.

Arada Fuengthong, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade, emphasized that global volatility, energy price pressures, and uncertainty in U.S. trade policy demand a dual approach. Government agencies must accelerate negotiations to secure trade advantages, while the private sector must adapt quickly by enhancing product quality, ensuring traceability of Thai origins, and creating differentiation that resonates with international buyers. The emphasis on domestic raw materials and transparent supply chains is designed to build confidence among consumers abroad and strengthen Thailand’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.

The Department plans to organize twelve promotional activities across twelve provinces this fiscal year to encourage SMEs to fully exploit FTA benefits. Beyond Europe, India is being targeted as a vast market with rising purchasing power, while Japan continues to show trust in Thailand’s production base. The broader narrative is clear. FTAs are not merely legal frameworks but strategic levers that can transform Thailand’s economic trajectory, offering SMEs the chance to scale up, diversify, and compete in markets once considered out of reach.