Royal Thai Embassy in Vienna Organizes Economic Seminar “Thailand-Slovenia: Advancing Economic Partnership for the Future” to Strengthen Thai–Slovenian Economic Cooperation

On 3 September 2025, the Royal Thai Embassy in Vienna, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, and Team Thailand of the Royal Thai Embassy in Vienna, organized a seminar titled “Thailand-Slovenia: Advancing Economic Partnership for the Future” at the Grand Plaza Hotel & Congress Center, Ljubljana, Slovenia. The event served as a platform to present Thailand’s economic policies and potential to the Slovenian audience and to promote business engagement and partnerships. It marked a significant step in elevating economic cooperation between the two countries.

The seminar was a follow-up to the official visit to Thailand by H.E. Ms. Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, in March 2025 during which both sides agreed to enhance economic cooperation and explore opportunities to expand trade and investment.

At the seminar, Mr. Cheevindh Nathalang, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. to Slovenia, delivered the opening remarks highlighting the strong bilateral relationship and reiterated the two countries’ shared commitments to green technology and innovation, sustainable development as well as global engagement that provide a strong foundation for deepening mutual cooperations. On this occasion, Mrs. Krongkanit Rakcharoen, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and Mr. Rok Tomšič, Head of Department of Economic Diplomacy II, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, delivered keynote addresses. They emphasized the importance of strengthening economic collaboration between the two nations, noting that despite geographical distance, there remains considerable potential for joint beneficial opportunities both on bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

The seminar brought together participants from various sectors in both the public and private sectors of Slovenia. There were 2 breakout sessions :

1. “Unlocking Trade and Investment Opportunities,” Mrs. Marjana Majerič, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, delivered the opening remarks, expressing readiness to collaborate with Thailand to enhance bilateral trade value. During the discussion, the Director of the Thai Trade Center in Vienna and the Director of the Thailand Board of Investment Office in Frankfurt presented an overview of trade, investment, and government support policies. Meanwhile, the CEO of P&P Group and a representative from the Port of Koper shared their experiences of doing business in Thailand and highlighted the potential of the Port of Koper as a trade gateway linking Asia and Eastern Europe.

2. “Amazing Thailand: Tourism, Wellness & Business Insights” session, Mrs. Simona Volaj Rakušček, Honorary Consul in Ljubljana delivered the opening remarks. She encouraged Slovenians to travel to Thailand, highlighting the many more diverse destinations are to be explored. Following this, the Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Frankfurt Office presented Thailand's strengths as a world-class travel destination. The session also featured a traditional cultural performance by the Bunditpatanasilpa Institute and included a platform for a Slovenian influencer to share their memorable experiences visiting Thailand. Additionally, stories were shared about Slovenian entrepreneurs who promote Thai culture through their local Thai restaurants and massage businesses.

Following the seminar, participants experienced Thai culture at a reception titled “A Taste of Thainess”, featuring cultural performances and Thai cuisine presented by Arroi, a Thai restaurant in Slovenia. This cultural event further enhanced understanding on Thailand and strengthened connections between the peoples of the two countries.