“The UK has had some success in driving ahead through a creative economy. We want to find a way to collaborate with the UK to develop a creative economy in Thailand,” said Sontirat. “This is apart from improving and adding value to Thai products.”

Trade between Thailand and the UK at the end of 2017 amounted to US$7.01 billion, of which Thai exports totaled US$4.07 billion and imports from the UK were US$2.94 billion.

In the first two months of 2018 Thai exports to the UK were US$676.13 million, while imports from the UK were worth US$469.63 million.

Thailand’s main exports to the UK included cars and auto accessories, processed chicken, motorcycles and accessories, plus electrical parts.

Major imports from the UK have been machinery, alcoholic drinks and medicine, according to the Commerce Ministry.