Thailand and South Africa plan to accelerate their next JTC meeting.

On March 25, 2026, at the Ministry of Commerce, Ms. Suphajee Suthumpun (ศุภจี สุธรรมพันธุ์), Minister of Commerce, met with H.E. Mr. Darkey Ephraim Africa (ดาร์คีย์ อีเฟรอิม แอฟริกา), South Africa’s ambassador to Thailand. They discussed several approaches to expand the export of goods between the two countries and strengthen economic cooperation. Both countries agreed to expedite 
their upcoming Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting this year.

Ms. Suphajee revealed that Thailand and South Africa have maintained a good and long-standing relationship. This year marks the 34th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, making it a good opportunity for both countries to find ways to deepen their economic ties. Currently, Thailand and South Africa aim to achieve more balanced trade relationship. Thailand also expresses its readiness to support exports of high-potential products such as rice, processed food and agricultural goods, as well as automobiles and machinery parts. Meanwhile, South Africa’s seek to export goods such as apples, pears, wine, jewelry, silver bullion and gold, other metal ores, scrap metal and metal products, as well as chemicals.

Thailand sees that South Africa has the potential to be the distribution hub for goods to other countries in the African region, just as Thailand can distribute goods from Africa to ASEAN countries. Both sides also agree to utilize the cooperation mechanism between Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) and South Africa's Invest SA agency to promote joint investment activities.