Thailand - Canada Agree to Advance FTA Talks, Support Thailand's OECD Bid and Combat Transnational Crime

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held bilateral talks with Canadian Prime Minister The Right Honourable Mark Carney, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Thailand–Canada relations through closer cooperation in trade, investment, security, and global governance.

Prime Minister Carney invited Mr. Anutin to visit Canada in the near future. The Thai Prime Minister reciprocated with an invitation for his Canadian counterpart to make an official visit to Thailand. He also congratulated Canada on co-hosting the FIFA World Cup with the United States and Mexico and wished the Canadian national team success in the tournament. The two leaders welcomed the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Canada in 2026 and agreed to deepen cooperation in several key areas.

On economic cooperation, both sides pledged to accelerate negotiations on the ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) with the goal of concluding talks this year, while also expressing support for pursuing a bilateral Thailand–Canada Free Trade Agreement in the future. The leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation on security, including military collaboration and efforts to combat transnational crime, with particular emphasis on tackling online scam networks and cyber-enabled fraud.

Mr. Anutin reaffirmed that Thailand's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) remains a key government priority, noting that membership would help improve the country's legal framework, regulatory standards, and public sector efficiency.

Both leaders concluded by reaffirming their commitment to maintaining close cooperation and expanding the Thailand–Canada partnership to create greater economic opportunities, strengthen regional security, and improve the well-being of people in both countries.