Thailand has expressed deep interest in expanding economic engagement with Bangladesh, citing the country's economic potentials, growing middle-class consumers and demographic dividends.

Speaking to this correspondent at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the city on Thursday, Chairman of the Thailand–Bangladesh Business Council (TBBC)  Yongyos Pholtanawat Gary  said  that Thailand enjoys a trade surplus with Bangladesh that the latter can reduce by signing a free trade agreement (FTA). He said that Thai export to Bangladesh stands at around 1.00 billion US dollars while Bangladesh’s export to Thailand stands only 100 million US dollars.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir inaugurated the three-day international trade exhibition at Pan Pacific Sonargaon in the city on Thursday that brought together leading Thai companies, Bangladeshi business representatives, government officials, industry stakeholders, media professionals.

 Yongyos Pholtanawat Gary said  that Thailand will implement a number of mega projects that will require thousands of migrant workers. Even in the  plantation, specially in rubber plants,  Thailand requires manpower.

Chairman of the Thailand–Bangladesh Business Council (TBBC)  Yongyos Pholtanawat said that Thailand is also interested in setting up hospitals and nursing institutes in joint ventures with Bangladeshi entrepreneurs here with a view to rendering world-class healthcare

The Chairman of the Thailand–Bangladesh Business Council (TBBC) that Bangladesh can improve the healthcare system by imparting quality training to doctors, nurses and stakeholders in the system .

President of Bangladesh-Thai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BTCCI) Shams Mahmud has also said Bangladesh will start dialogues on the FTA issue

Shams Mahmud said that Bangladesh has prospects in pharmaceuticals, jute and jute products, leather, tourism, hospitality, infrastructure, power and agro-processing.

Mahmud also emphasized the importance of launching direct shipping services between Thailand's Ranong Port and Bangladesh's Chattagram Port, facilitating exchanges of business delegations and expanding cooperation in sectors including textiles and ready-made garments, power and energy, electrical goods, food processing, seafood, handicrafts and religious tourism.

Putting emphasis on a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), he said the deal could significantly boost bilateral business and expressed hope that the commerce ministries of both countries would work proactively towards its implementation.

He also acknowledged existing connectivity challenges and said Thailand was committed to working with Bangladesh to improve transport and logistics links.

Meanwhile, the opening ceremony commenced at 1:00 pm and highlighted the importance of expanding bilateral trade, business cooperation, investment opportunities, and commercial relations between Thailand and Bangladesh.

Top Thai Brands 2026 is organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government, in collaboration with the Office of Commercial Affairs, Royal Thai Embassy, Dhaka, Bangladesh, is hosting the exhibition.

During the inaugural ceremony, the distinguished guests emphasized the significance of international trade exhibitions in creating direct connections among manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, entrepreneurs, and consumers. The exhibition was recognized as an important platform for introducing high-quality Thai products and services to the Bangladeshi market and facilitating new business partnerships between the two countries.

This year, 57 companies from Thailand are participating in the exhibition. They are showcasing a wide variety of products and services across multiple sectors, including processed food, cosmetics and personal care products, kids’ care products, jewelry, building materials, healthcare products, pet food, lifestyle products, consumer goods, and many other categories.

Following the formal inauguration, the chief guest and other distinguished guests visited the exhibition stalls and interacted with participating Thai companies. They observed the diverse range of products on display and learned about the companies’ business interests and plans for the Bangladeshi market.

The exhibition is designed to provide Bangladeshi importers, distributors, retailers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals with opportunities to communicate directly with Thai manufacturers and suppliers. It is also expected to support product sourcing, dealership arrangements, distribution partnerships, market expansion, and long-term commercial cooperation.

A key feature of Top Thai Brands 2026 is the business matchmaking sessions, which will facilitate direct meetings between participating Thai companies and potential Bangladeshi business partners. These sessions aim to encourage meaningful business discussions and generate new trade opportunities.

In addition to the business exhibition, visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of cultural and entertainment activities throughout the three-day event. These include Thai cultural dance performances, Muay Thai demonstrations, fashion shows, raffle draws, and several other interactive attractions.

Top Thai Brands 2026 will continue until 25 July 2026 and will remain open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at Pan Pacific Sonargaon, Dhaka.