Thailand and Switzerland agree to boost trade and climate cooperation

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul welcomed Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, to Government House at 10.40am on Thursday (October 15, 2026), during the Swiss leader’s official visit to Thailand.

The reception took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Anutin greeted Parmelin outside the Thai Khu Fah Building before an official welcoming ceremony on the lawn in front of the building.

The band played the Swiss national anthem, followed by the Thai national anthem.

The two leaders then inspected a guard of honour marking the official visit.

After the ceremony, they posed for photographs at the staircase in the building’s central hall before signing the government guestbook and viewing the gifts exchanged by the two sides in the Ivory Room.

They then held a small-group meeting in a reception room on the second floor.

Thailand and Switzerland hold full delegation talks

The two leaders and their delegations then held full delegation talks at 10.40am in the Green Room of the Thai Khu Fah Building.

They agreed to strengthen trade and investment cooperation by accelerating the necessary preparations for the entry into force of the free trade agreement between Thailand and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

They also agreed to encourage investment in future industries, including advanced manufacturing, medical technology, food innovation and green technology.

Cooperation would also expand in science, technology, innovation and workforce skills development through vocational education to strengthen both countries’ competitiveness.

The two sides would continue their climate cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and promote cooperation through multilateral frameworks.

They were also ready to support Thailand’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) through exchanges of expertise in investment, good governance and human capital development.

Thailand and Switzerland mark 95 years of diplomatic relations

Following the full delegation talks, Anutin and Parmelin held a joint press conference at 11.55am in the Purple Room of the Thai Khu Fah Building at Government House.

Anutin expressed his pleasure at welcoming Parmelin on an official visit as a guest of the government during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) in Bangkok.

The visit was particularly significant as Thailand and Switzerland marked 95 years of diplomatic relations.

It was also the first official visit to Thailand by a Swiss president in 22 years.

Anutin described the discussions as constructive, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening their longstanding friendship and advancing practical cooperation for the mutual benefit of their people.

He outlined four key areas:

1. Trade and investment

Switzerland was Thailand’s largest trading partner in Europe in 2025 and retained that position during the first nine months of 2026, reflecting the strength of their economic relationship.

Both sides emphasised the importance of bringing the Thailand–EFTA free trade agreement, which Parliament has already approved, into force as soon as possible.

The agreement would expand trade and investment opportunities for Thailand and Switzerland and strengthen business competitiveness.

Anutin welcomed Parmelin’s visit with a Swiss business delegation.

Thailand was ready to encourage Swiss investment in high-value and advanced technology industries, alongside cooperation in technology transfer and supply chain development.

2. Climate cooperation and the transition to a green economy

Thailand and Switzerland have achieved tangible results through cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

One prominent example is the Bangkok E-Bus Programme, which has introduced about 2,000 electric buses, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution while improving people’s quality of life.

Building on the success of that cooperation, the KliK Foundation is expected to purchase carbon credits worth approximately US$120 million from new climate projects in Thailand.

This would provide an important opportunity to mobilise green finance, support new climate projects and accelerate Thailand’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

3. Science, technology and innovation

Both sides agreed that Switzerland’s strengths in research and innovation aligned with Thailand’s ambition to build a more innovative and competitive economy.

They discussed closer cooperation between research institutions, universities and businesses, particularly in joint research, technology transfer and the practical application of innovation in industry.

4. Education and human resource development

Thailand values Switzerland’s expertise in education and technical and vocational training, particularly its close links between education and industry.

Both sides were therefore ready to expand cooperation in skills development, knowledge exchange and vocational training to prepare the workforce for future industries.

Anutin and Parmelin also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including cooperation in addressing shared challenges such as combating online scam gangs and illicit financial flows.

Concluding his remarks, Anutin expressed confidence that the visit would advance Thai–Swiss relations and turn shared cooperation priorities into tangible results.

He thanked Parmelin for his friendship and commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, expressing hope that the two countries would build a stronger, more dynamic and sustainable partnership.