India and Thailand: diplomatic relations from 1947, trade near USD 17.5 billion and 4 to 5 lakh people of Indian origin
Background
The Embassy of India in Bangkok records that India and Thailand established diplomatic relations in 1947, and that both sides marked the 75th anniversary in 2022. On India's Department of Commerce figures, bilateral trade was USD 16.90 billion in 2022-23 and USD 14.95 billion in 2023-24. Thai Ministry of Commerce data cited by the Embassy show total trade of about USD 17.5 billion in 2024. People of Indian origin in Thailand number around 4 to 5 lakh, including more than 25,000 NRIs, mostly in Bangkok. The India-Thailand Defence Cooperation MoU was signed on 25 January 2012, and the two navies carry out joint maritime patrolling alongside annual staff talks. Thailand hosted the first BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Bangkok in July 2023, and India hosted the second in New Delhi in July 2024. Thailand is a participant in the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, whose 10th Ministerial Meeting was held in Bangkok in August 2019. India's Department of Commerce lists the Framework Agreement with Thailand for establishing a free trade area, with 82 items under its Early Harvest Scheme.
In plain words
Early Harvest Scheme Early Harvest Scheme of the India-Thailand Framework Agreement — A first tranche of 82 items on which the two countries cut tariffs ahead of a full free trade area.
MGC Mekong-Ganga Cooperation — A grouping linking India with mainland Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, on tourism, culture, education and transport.