Import duties today
For Thai goods, the EU charges the standard rates that apply to most trading partners (MFN rates). To compete, you use what your own entity can control: the total cost of delivered goods, stock in the EU and your own compliance. If the free trade agreement comes into force, you will also get lower duties, on top of a business that already works.
Food exports
Processed food, seafood, rice and sauces fall under EU food law. You need an EU food business operator and full labelling. The BV (besloten vennootschap, the Dutch private limited company) takes on these roles once for all 27 EU markets. At import, you use Article 23, and later sales of food are taxed at the reduced VAT rates. See the article on Thai food and automotive exports for more on this sector.
Automotive components
Thai suppliers to car makers (tier suppliers) deliver to EU factories in the usual way. They sell through an EU contract partner, keep call-off stock and invoice within the EU at 0% VAT with documented proof. The goods are made in Rayong and stored in the area around Rotterdam.
Compare the Netherlands with Ireland and Germany on tax, substance, running costs and time. See setting up a Dutch subsidiary for a foreign parent company.
Setup from Bangkok
The BV can be 100% Thai-owned. You set it up remotely through the non-resident process. For the effect on your cash flow, see the ASEAN cashflow article.