🗓 Tuesday, January 27, 2026
📍 Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand in a Divided World: Partner to All 🌍🤝

January 27, 2026

Thailand’s Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun says the world is becoming more divided than ever, and Thailand needs a smart new strategy to survive and succeed. She shared these insights after attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

The World Is More Polarised Than We Thought 🔥

The global system is no longer just multipolar. According to Suphajee, the world is now facing extreme polarisation. Countries are increasingly being pushed to pick sides in trade, technology, security, and supply chains. While major powers shape global rules, many other countries are searching for new partners and markets to stay afloat.

Thailand’s Big Idea: “Ally to All” 🤝

Instead of choosing sides, Thailand should position itself as a partner to everyone. The focus should be on practical, issue-based cooperation that creates win-win outcomes. Thailand does not need to negotiate everything with every country—only areas where mutual benefits exist.

A New Way to Think About Trade 📊

Trade is no longer just about exports. It must balance selling and buying, with imports also used strategically in negotiations. Thailand must fully use trade tools such as tariffs, non-tariff measures, product upgrades, protective policies, and strong support for SMEs, investment, and skill development.

Trust Is Economic Power 🔐

Trust and confidence are essential to protect domestic industries and supply chains. In an unstable global environment, these qualities are valuable economic assets that help trade relationships survive and grow.

Three Forces Shaping Future Trade 🚀

Technology and AI: Tools to improve national competitiveness and efficiency.
Green Economy: An opportunity—not a burden—for Thailand to gain a trade advantage.
Security: An increasingly important factor in trade, with Thailand promoting agriculture and food as regional security products.

ASEAN and the Digital Economy 🌏💻

Thailand must highlight its unique strengths while working closely with ASEAN partners. One major initiative is the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to create the world’s first regional digital economy framework, help SMEs reach 600 million consumers, and double regional trade to US$2 trillion by 2030.

Updating Trade Rules for a New World 📜

Many of Thailand’s free trade agreements were signed decades ago and no longer fit today’s global economy. Thailand plans to upgrade existing FTAs, enter new markets, sign new agreements, and reduce dependence on any single country.

Final Message 🏁

The world has changed, and trade has changed with it. Thailand must stay flexible, neutral, and future-ready to remain strong in the long run.