Speaking at the finale of the anniversary event hosted by the British Embassy in Bangkok, Anutin said an FTA would help unlock the full potential of the bilateral partnership, which was elevated to a strategic level two years ago, reports the Bangkok Post.
“The strategic partnership and enhanced trade partnership signed two years ago provide a strong foundation, but we should aim even higher towards an FTA that reflects the full potential of our partnership alongside deeper sectoral collaboration,” he said.
Thailand and the UK upgraded their relations on Mar 20, 2024, paving the way for closer cooperation in trade, investment and security. Now Thailand is eyeing the signing of an FTA with Britain sometime in the future.
Anutin said the UK has long been an important partner in Thailand’s development, with British companies contributing investment, expertise and longstanding business cooperation. At the same time, Thai companies have increasingly expanded into the UK market, creating jobs and strengthening people-to-people ties, he said.
“If the past 170 years were about building trust, the next 170 years must be about building the future together,” he said.
Anniversary celebrations, which began in 2025, highlight the long-standing friendship between the two countries through a series of events organised by the embassy across Thailand.
According to the embassy, the programme this year featured high-level activities centred on shared values under the themes of religion, monarchy and nation. Among the highlights was a Royal Marines concert graciously presided over by Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida.
Other events included a nationwide roadshow led by British Ambassador Mark Gooding, who travelled with embassy staff to 13 provinces to promote cooperation.
A historic religious milestone was also marked in London, where Mr Gooding became the first foreign ambassador to present kathin robes on behalf of a Thai monarch during a ceremony at Wat Buddhapadipa.
The event’s finale also marked the 80th anniversary of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand.
Mr Gooding said both countries now have significant opportunities to expand cooperation further, particularly in trade, investment, education and security.
“We have many opportunities to deepen the UK–Thailand relationship in the years ahead,” he said, noting that closer cooperation would help strengthen ties in an increasingly turbulent world.