Thailand is in favor of reforming global financial architecture to strengthen trade and investment, its Foreign Minister told the United Nations trade agency, pitching the Kingdom as a reliable, forward-looking partner in what he called an era of re-globalization.

“Thailand is witnessing not de-globalization but "re-globalization"- a strategic realignment of trade, production, and finance - requiring the country to integrate its economic and foreign policies more closely than ever before, “said Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Sihasak was speaking before an international seminar co-hosted by United Nations Commission on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Ministry of Commerce, the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD), and the Harvard Club of Thailand.

In his speech, he said that diplomacy, trade and investment are more effective when working together in today’s complex international environment. He outlined steps the ministry was taking to advance a comprehensive economic diplomacy strategy.

“In today's environment, economic policy and foreign policy can no longer work in silos; they must reinforce one another,” Sihasak told his audience of over 150 participants at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Foreign policy must start at home and ultimately deliver results at home by improving people's livelihood and strengthening Thailand's long-term competitiveness.”

The minister said that those who believe the world is undergoing de-globalization are mistaken. Consistent and relentlessly rising trade volumes are evidence that the world is moving towards greater integration.

However, the structure around trade is changing. United States trade policies are also contributing to structural transformations in supply chains and trade flows. He characterized this phenomenon as re-globalization, a strategic re-alignment that presents both risks and opportunities.

Sihasak said that Thailand is working to improve trade facilitation, modernize regulations, and align policies with international standards, including sustainability and human rights.

He stressed that Thailand supports strengthening the rules-based system and reforming international financial architecture. Trade governance cannot simply maintain the status quo, he added.