Department of Foreign Trade Pins Chiang Rai for Border Trade Festival

Arada Fuengtong, Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), revealed that the department is driving border trade strategy by organizing a border trade festival in Chiang Rai. The event aims to enhance Thai entrepreneurs' capabilities and connect trade networks with Myanmar, Laos, and China, reinforcing Chiang Rai's role as a central trade hub for the Upper Mekong subregion. Aligning with the government's policy of 'generating income and reducing expenses', the festival is part of a proactive approach to open Thai trade markets, both existing and neighboring countries. It focuses on enhancing business competitiveness and using border and cross-border trade as a key mechanism for driving regional economic growth. The border trade festival will be held from February 12-16, 2026, at Wing 416 of the Royal Thai Air Force and Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel and Convention. The event will feature over 200 booths, business matching platforms, border trade situation meetings, and in-depth seminars on international market expansion. Arada added that Chiang Rai has high potential for trade and investment, serving as a crucial connection point between Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and China. In 2025, border and cross-border trade is expected to exceed 100,000 million baht, with key exports including durian, mangosteen, longan, and fuel oil.