The core of the consultations centered around reviewing progress on trade and investment, with the Netherlands maintaining its position as Thailand’s largest investor within the EU. Data released by the Thai Board of Investment (BOI) shows that Dutch investment in Thailand increased by 12% in 2024, largely driven by growing interest in Thailand’s burgeoning agri-food technology sector and its position as a key hub for advanced manufacturing. However, the discussions extended beyond traditional trade, incorporating a critical exploration of collaborative opportunities in the semiconductor industry, reflecting a recognized strategic imperative for Thailand to reduce its dependence on foreign technology and bolster its own industrial capabilities. “Thailand’s ambition is to become a regional hub for innovation, particularly in areas critical to national security and economic competitiveness,” noted Dr. Anan Panyarachay, a senior analyst at the Institute for Policy Development, “The Netherlands’ expertise in chip technology provides a valuable framework for this endeavor.”
The meeting’s expanded agenda—including discussions on clean energy initiatives and, crucially, the protection of undersea infrastructure—exhibited a clear acknowledgment of the maritime security threats facing Southeast Asia. The recent increase in Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea, coupled with the heightened vulnerability of critical maritime infrastructure to potential disruption, has fundamentally altered Thailand’s strategic calculations. As Dr. Willem van der Meer, a specialist in maritime security at the Hague Institute for the Study of War, explained, “Thailand’s engagement with the Netherlands on these issues isn’t merely about securing trade routes; it’s about actively contributing to regional stability and demonstrating a willingness to confront shared threats.” The Netherlands, with its extensive naval capabilities and expertise in underwater security, offers a crucial avenue for Thailand to enhance its defensive posture.
Beyond security considerations, the dialogue also contained a strategic element concerning Thailand’s participation in the EU’s Free Trade Agreement negotiations. The Netherlands’ consistent advocacy for Thailand’s inclusion in the FTA underscores the nation’s commitment to strengthening its economic ties with the EU, potentially offering Thailand greater access to the European market and attracting further investment. A key outcome anticipated is a possible move towards Schengen visa exemption for Thai passport holders, a goal strongly supported by the Netherlands and aligned with Thailand’s broader efforts to facilitate greater tourism and international travel.
The visit’s formal component – the exchange of views on human rights and regional security – highlights Thailand’s continuing efforts to align its foreign policy with international norms, albeit within the constraints of its own domestic political landscape. The Netherlands’ consistent emphasis on these issues—particularly concerning labor standards and democratic governance—represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Thailand.
Looking forward, the immediate impact of the consultations is likely to be the implementation of joint projects focused on agri-food technology innovation and the early stages of collaborative research in the semiconductor sector. However, the longer-term implications suggest a deeper strategic alignment between Thailand and the Netherlands in the face of persistent regional instability. Estimates from the International Crisis Group suggest that Thailand could see an increased number of Dutch military personnel assisting with training and defense exercises over the next 6 months, geared towards bolstering Thailand’s maritime security capabilities.
Over the next 5-10 years, the Thailand-Netherlands partnership is expected to grow exponentially, particularly in the realm of digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. The capacity to secure critical undersea infrastructure will become increasingly paramount, potentially leading to a more formalized security cooperation agreement between the two nations. The success of this partnership will depend on Thailand’s ability to navigate its internal political dynamics while simultaneously pursuing a more assertive, yet strategically aligned, foreign policy. The meeting in The Hague, therefore, represents not simply a continuation of existing ties, but the beginning of a deliberate and potentially transformative shift in Thailand’s approach to regional security and global engagement. The questions remain: Can Thailand maintain this strategic orientation amidst internal pressures, and can the Netherlands continue to provide the technical and security support needed to safeguard Thailand’s interests in a volatile Indo-Pacific?