On 17 August 2026, Ms. Nitivadee Manitkul, Ambassador of Thailand to Norway, was invited by Ms. Araya Fuangthong, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, to deliver the opening remarks at the “Boost Up SMEs to FTA Market – Business Matching Event.” The event brought together Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Norwegian private-sector businesses for business matching and networking opportunities.

 

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Nitivadee commended the organisation of the event, noting that it was particularly timely as the Thai Parliament had ratified the Thailand–European Free Trade Association (Thailand–EFTA) Free Trade Agreement. The Agreement is expected to enter into force in January 2027, presenting Thai entrepreneurs with significant opportunities to leverage the benefits and market access provided under the Agreement.

 

Ambassador Nitivadee also highlighted her contributions to the negotiation process, including her role in supporting efforts that helped facilitate the conclusion of the Agreement in November 2024, as well as the Embassy’s continued efforts to encourage Thailand’s ratification of the Agreement in June 2026.

 

In addition, Ambassador Nitivadee provided an overview of Thailand–Norway relations, which have enjoyed longstanding and cordial ties dating back to 1905, when His Majesty King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) laid the foundation for closer relations between the two countries. She also highlighted His Majesty’s historic visit to Norway in 1907, during which he observed and brought back to Thailand various aspects of European modernisation and development. A photograph commemorating His Majesty’s visit to Norway is featured on the reverse side of Thailand’s current 100-baht banknote.

 

Concluding her remarks, Ambassador Nitivadee underscored the importance of key principles and shared values when conducting business with Norwegian counterparts, particularly good governance, transparency, environmental sustainability, and respect for human rights. These principles, she noted, serve as important foundations for building sustainable, trusted and mutually beneficial business partnerships between Thai and Norwegian enterprises.