Thailand and the United Kingdom have signed the Thailand-UK Strategic Partnership Roadmap, which officially elevates their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

The signing of the roadmap took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok on 20 March 2024, when the Right Honourable Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, paid an official visit to Thailand.

Signing the roadmap were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara and Lord Cameron. The elevation a 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 United Kingdom is the first country in Europe that Thailand has made a strategic partnership with.

Both sides discussed trade and economic promotion through the launch of Thailand-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which will build upon the progress of the Enhanced Trade Partnership, as well as cooperation in security, science and technology, tourism, education, and visa exemptions for Thai ordinary passport holders.

They also 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 Cooperation and Development (OECD).

On the same day, Lord Cameron paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Srettha Thavisin at Government House. Discussions between the Prime Minister and Lord Cameron focused on the strengthening of trade and investment cooperation, particularly through the making of the Thailand-UK FTA. Both sides also explored ways to promote direct flights and tourism. The Thai side requested its counterpart to consider a visa waiver in order to increase the number of Thai tourists traveling to the UK.

Lord Cameron is interested in boosting closer cooperation with Thailand in science, technology, and innovation through the support of the UK’s International Science Partnership Fund.