Thailand-South Africa to strengthen ties and cooperation

Thailand and South Africa have agreed to increase bilateral ties and cooperation, particularly in the economic sphere, to mark the 34th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations this year.

The agreement was reached during a meeting in Bangkok this week, between South African Ambassador to Thailand Darkey Ephraim Africa and Thai Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.

Under the agreement, both countries will explore ways to boost bilateral trade and investment, including opening their respective markets to more imports and increasing cooperation between the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) and Invest SA, South Africa’s investment promotion agency.

Additionally, South African businesses will be invited to participate in annual trade exhibitions in Thailand, specifically Bangkok Gems & Jewelry, THAIFEX-AnugaAsia and TILOG-LogistiX, while the Thai Commerce Ministry will send an official delegation to South Africa later this year for trade and investment negotiations.

Meanwhile, the next Thailand-Africa Joint Trade Committee (JTC) biennial meeting will be rescheduled to later this year and upgraded to the ministerial level.

Thailand will also act as a gateway for the expansion of African products available in the ASIAN intra-regional market, as South Africa will do for the distribution of Thai exports to the entire African continent.

South Africa was Thailand’s largest trading partner on the African continent in 2025, with major Thai exports including varieties of rice, rubber products, vehicles and parts and machinery, while major South African imports included gems & jewelry, gold and silver bars, chemical products and machinery.