Thailand is a gateway to South-East Asia, with a strong tradition of hospitality, wellness, food and crafts.
Trade with France
In 2024, €5.0 billion in goods were traded. Thailand is France's 2nd customer and 2nd supplier in South-East Asia. The European Union and Thailand are negotiating a free trade agreement. Source: French Treasury.
Checking a Thai company before you pay
The Department of Business Development (DBD) of the Ministry of Commerce publishes registered company data on datawarehouse.dbd.go.th (13-digit registration number).
Step by step
- Ask for the 13-digit registration number and the official name in Thai.
- Search for it on the DBD website.
- Check that the company is active and that its activity matches your deal.
- Pay only into an account in the name of the registered company.
An account in the name of a private person is a warning sign: a registered company is paid into the company's account. If you are asked to pay into a personal account, do not pay before you get a written, verifiable explanation.
Doing business with a Thai company: our advice
- The contract can be written in English; a Thai translation helps with the administration.
- Personal relationships matter a lot: take time to introduce yourself and meet your partner.
- For food and cosmetics, check the labelling rules of the country of sale early.
- Plan for the Songkran holidays (Thai New Year, mid-April) in your delivery times.
Trade fairs in Thailand
Our useful guides
What changes in 2026 for your trade
- Carbon border tax (CBAM): since 1 January 2026, steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen and electricity imported into the European Union pay a carbon price (above 50 tonnes a year). A free trade agreement between the European Union and Thailand is under negotiation (10th round end of September - beginning of October 2026): it is not yet in force. Our CBAM guide.
- Deforestation-free products (EUDR): wood, coffee, cocoa, natural rubber, soya, palm oil and cattle will have to prove their origin from 30 December 2026 (30 June 2027 for small businesses). Thailand is classified as low risk by the European Commission: simplified procedures, but geolocation of the plots remains compulsory. Our EUDR guide.
- Small parcels: since 1 July 2026, a customs duty of €3 per product category on parcels worth €150 or less, then €2 in handling fees from 1 November 2026. Our guide.
- Electronic invoicing in France: since 1 September 2026, businesses established in France receive their invoices electronically. A Thai company with no establishment in France does not have to issue these invoices; it only sends certain data to the French tax administration ("e-reporting") if it owes French VAT itself. Our fact sheet.
For information only, up to date on 1 November 2026; sources: European Commission, EUR-Lex, impots.gouv.fr. Only the authorities are authoritative.
Business etiquette
- People are addressed by their first name, preceded by "Khun": Somchai Rattanakul is "Khun Somchai".
- The "wai" (hands joined, slight bow) is the traditional greeting; a handshake is also accepted in business.
- Calm and a smile: raising your voice or embarrassing someone in front of others causes a loss of face, and often the deal.
- The monarchy is highly respected and protected by law: avoid any comment about it.
- The contract: Thailand does not apply the Vienna Convention on the international sale of goods. Write in the contract which law applies and who will decide a dispute. Our guide.
General advice: every person and every company is different.
Culture and daily life
📅 Next festival in Thailand: Loy Krathong, on Tuesday 24 November 2026 — in 20 days. See the full calendar.
Useful organisations
- Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce
- Business France (Bangkok office)
- EABC: the association of European businesses in Thailand.
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🏮 See also: Songkran and Loy Krathong: the great festivals of Asia and your business.