Thailand to join TPP talks

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Critics call pact a tactic by US to counter China

Published: 13 Nov 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Thailand has agreed to join negotiations in a United States-led free trade agreement (FTA) in a move which will be formally announced during President Barack Obama's visit here on Sunday.

US officials from the White House visit the roof of Government House to inspect it prior to US President Barack Obama’s visit to Bangkok on Sunday. APICHART JINAKUL

Thailand's entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will be a highlight of the visit by the US president amid concern by activists over the consequences of the far-reaching free trade pact.

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bkposter
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Discussion 19 : 13 Nov 2012 at 17.3519
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RE: D15....the security is very elaborate when the POTUS visits any foreign country. It is almost that elaborate even when he travels in the USA. Better safe than sorry.
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watchdog
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Discussion 18 : 13 Nov 2012 at 17.3118
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There are repeated comments about an "FTA with the US". The TPP is not an FTA with the US. Its a regional free trade pact that will include the US and Japan and many other countries in the Asia Pacific. This will be a serious handicap for Thailand if Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, etc., are in a free trade pact with the US and Japan, but Thailand is not. The TPP also requires a transparent customs regime. Putting aside other countries, wouldn't Thais benefit from this alone?
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falangsur
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Discussion 17 : 13 Nov 2012 at 16.1617
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Free trade pacts in general are to the benefit of all consumers (as in all people). People that suffer are those that are in subsidized industries, which already harm the people of their own country. Who suffers due to outrageously high tariffs on imported automobiles? Thais pay 50-75% more for vehicles, money they could use for savings, education, homes, etc. As for those saying the US is finished - the US system is more "harsh" in the short run because it has less protection for industries - but did better than Japan in past 20 yrs and Europe in past 5-10. With natural gas - US is about to boom over next 20-30 years (IEA report yesterday)
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tookay
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Discussion 16 : 13 Nov 2012 at 15.2216
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In 2003, the Thaksin government signed a free trade agreement with China that almost immediately and completely opened Thailand to nearly unlimited tax-free imports of agricultural products from China into Thailand. There are also FTAs or FTAs with Australia, India, Korea, and Japan.

I suppose I do not understand the arguments against an FTA with the United States, particularly since this would lower/remove tariffs on Thai products entering the USA, thus helping stimulate imports to this large market. In 2011, Thailand enjoyed a trade surplus of US$1.15 billion with the USA, and this surplus would probably increase with lower tariffs
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bluebottle
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Discussion 15 : 13 Nov 2012 at 12.3715
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It amazing the article has as much contents about security as reasons for the visit.That says it all I think.
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watchdog
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Discussion 14 : 13 Nov 2012 at 11.4514
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The U.S. cannot unilaterally accept Thailand to the TPP negotiations. The US didn't even start the TPP negotiations. The TPP involves other countries, big and small, that have been negotiating hard for the past several years over a robust regional free trade pact that roots out barriers to free trade. This free trade pact threatens vested interests that prosper in protectionist regimes, and the core terms cannot be re-negotiated. For Thailand, its a take or leave it deal. With the addition of Japan, if Thailand doesn't agree to its terms, it will be left out in the cold. They should got on board years ago.
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buster
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Discussion 13 : 13 Nov 2012 at 11.4513
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President Obama first visit after 2008 was Japan.
The region needed political signals from the US.
Now President Obama visits Thailand, center of Asean and driving force behind getting Myanmar on board (in line) of the ASEAN club.
By visiting Thailand he, President Obama will reaffirms his commitment to strengthen the region in trade , economy and stability.
Recent visit of Mrs Clinton to Laos came after high ranking officials from North Korea visited Laos.
Where the world a short while ago considered Laos as a "spot" on the map as ASEAN member it,Laos,can trigger significant diplomacy to stabilize the whole of Asia, including North Kor
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faceless
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Discussion 12 : 13 Nov 2012 at 11.1212
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How about a local FTA that respects the fact that many expats settle in Thailand and spend their money here.

The option to own a house or land would seem fair.
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Asian Hand
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Discussion 11 : 13 Nov 2012 at 10.3411
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Thailand does not need to be involved with the US in an FTA. The US is desparate to re-assert its position in Asia. However, with all its litigative clauses and conditions its attempts at FTA in this region continue to flounder. Thailand and all the other Asian nations are in the drivers seat and they all need to stand up and dictate terms and conditions. Times have changed and the shoe is on the other foot.
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dao
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Discussion 10 : 13 Nov 2012 at 10.1110
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A free trade zone in Asia will benefit Thailand .A free rade zone with America will just helop them dictate our policies on things like medicine .Ask Mexico .
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Thailand to join TPP talks | Bangkok Post: news