Thailand » International Relations

The Thailand's Relations with Neighbours

The previous administration's foreign policy had focused primarily on enhancing ties with ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) neighbours, China and India. Thailand is a founder member of ASEAN, and takes a leading role in the region.

The Thailand's Relations with International Community

Thailand was a close ally of the West during the cold war and is a long-term member of the United Nations. It is increasingly active in the international arena and looks to maintain a balance between key partners: US, Australia, China, Japan, EU and ASEAN.

Trade and Investment with UK

The UK/Thailand bilateral relationship is close. The UK is, perhaps, the best known of all the European countries. There is a sense of shared traditional values between the two nations, which manifests it in close educational and cultural contacts.

The UK is the largest European investor in Thailand. Long-established companies, such as Shell, BP, Unilever, Standard Chartered and HSBC have been joined more recently by Tesco, Boots, Thames Water, Anglian Water, International Power, Barclays Capital, Triumph, Cromwell Tools, Isotron and Grampian Foods. Investments by these companies in recent years have amounted to over £2 billion.