Thai Trade Representative Werapong Prapha has outlined how the Thailand–EFTA Free Trade Agreement could create new opportunities for Norwegian companies.
He spoke during a luncheon for premium members of the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok on 11 August. Norway’s Ambassador to Thailand, Astrid Emilie Helle, hosted the event at her residence.
Werapong highlighted three main areas of opportunity. These included wider market access, stronger trade in services and greater investment between Thailand and the EFTA countries.
He also pointed to the potential link between Norway’s expertise and Thailand’s strengths across several industries. Moreover, he described the agreement as a possible driver of long-term business growth.
Thailand’s parliament approved the agreement for further ratification on 17 June 2026. However, the agreement has not yet entered into force. The remaining national procedures must first be completed.
Once implemented, the agreement will reduce tariffs and improve market access between Thailand and the four EFTA members: Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Representatives from the Norwegian and Thai business communities also discussed trade, investment and wider bilateral cooperation during the luncheon.
The two sides signed the free trade agreement in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2025. It is Thailand’s first free trade agreement with a European trade bloc.
Sources: Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok and EFTA
