On 20 March 2024, H.E. Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs received the Right Honourable Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom during his first official visit to Thailand.

Both sides discussed trade and economic promotion through the launch of Thailand-UK FTA which will build upon the progress of the Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP), as well as cooperation in security, science and technology, tourism, education and visa exemptions for Thai ordinary passport holders. They exchanged views on regional situations, including the situation in Myanmar and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On this occasion, the Thai side also expressed appreciation for the UK’s support of Thai membership application in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The Foreign Ministers signed the Thailand-UK Strategic Partnership Roadmap, which officially elevates their bilateral relations to strategic partnership. They also signed the Air Services Agreement.

DPM/FM also attended the following discussion between Prime Minister and Lord Cameron. The meeting covered trade and investment boost, particulary through the making of the Thailand-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both sides also explored ways to promote direct flights and tourism. The Thai side requested its counterpart to consider a visa waiver to increase Thai tourists to the UK.

The elevation towards Thailand-UK strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the two countries’ relations, as they will celebrate the 170th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year. The UK is the first country in Europe that Thailand has a strategic partnership with.