Switzerland and Thailand underscore opportunities offered by free trade

Berne, 15.10.2026 — President Guy Parmelin met with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in Bangkok on Thursday, 15 October, during his official visit to Thailand. The talks focused on bilateral relations, the free trade agreement negotiated between the European Free Trade Association and Thailand, and current international affairs. President Parmelin will then pay a presidential visit to Vietnam and, together with the EFTA partners, sign a free trade agreement.

Switzerland and Thailand have maintained diplomatic relations for 95 years. During the talks, both sides commended the exchanges in the political, economic and civil society spheres. The community of Swiss nationals living in Thailand, numbering more than 13,000 people, is the largest in the Asia-Pacific region and 30,000 Thai nationals live in Switzerland.

The free trade agreement between EFTA and Thailand was cited as a key factor in further deepening economic relations. President Parmelin and Prime Minister Charnvirakul discussed the steps to be taken before the agreement comes into force and how best to capitalise on the opportunities it presents. Potential was identified in a range of sectors, in particular manufacturing and automation, digital technologies and infrastructure, and sustainable technologies.

With regard to cooperation between the two countries in combating climate change under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, Mr Parmelin emphasised Switzerland’s interest in investing in Thailand to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.