BoT expert wary over TPP

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Free trade deal 'risks hindering capital flows'

Published: 15 Nov 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Thailand's negotiations with the US for the opening of the goods and services market under the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (TPP) could hamper the Bank of Thailand's regulations on capital flows and financial services, a central bank economist says.

Abhisit: Wants clarity in negotiations

The US, which brokered the TPP agreement, has negotiated the opening of this market with Asean countries plus some dialogue partners.

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dao
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Discussion 11 : 15 Nov 2012 at 09.5711
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It sure will benefit America .Thailand will have to comply with whatever conditions are set and I dont think they will be able to .Yingluck says her governemnt has made efforts to suppress counterfeit goods .Really ? Where .All the usually fake bags , pirated DVDs ,fake soft wear are still available .Saying isnt the same as doing .
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watchdog
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Discussion 10 : 15 Nov 2012 at 09.2710
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I am all in favor of Thailand reducing barriers to free trade, but didn't the Bangkok Post report yesterday that there needs to be unanimous approval by all members of the TPP before any offers are made to Thailand? Unless they have all met and agreed to consider an application by Thailand, there is nothing Obama can offer to Thailand. To avoid creating false expectations, maybe we should slow down on this and get our facts straight!
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john_l
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Discussion 9 : 15 Nov 2012 at 09.039
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Discussion 4 "... given that nothing else in the TPP is adverse ... ". You obviously haven't looked at the intellectual property requirements of the USA for joining the TPP ... oh wait, you can't because the US doesn't publicly publish them, they're a secret. Just on pharmaceuticals alone it guarantees millions of more dollars in profits for US drug companies by extending the patent life on life-saving pharmaceuticals.

Electronic Frontier Foundation: "The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a secretive, multi-national trade agreement that threatens to extend restrictive intellectual property (IP) laws across the globe ... "
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bkksim
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Discussion 8 : 15 Nov 2012 at 08.378
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What does thaksin stand to gain from this?

Most be something or it wouldn't be happening
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whatajoke
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Discussion 7 : 15 Nov 2012 at 08.357
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The jury is still out on whether or not Thailand is ready or would benefit from joining the TPP, given it's previous inability to contain a monetary bubble in '97. But what the cynics might be asking is how much their arm is being twisted by the US in return for the prestige of an Obama photo-op to raise the political stature of this particular rookie Prime Minister. Oh, and there is also that behind-the-scenes issue of granting a certain fugitive a visa.
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pointman-1
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Discussion 6 : 15 Nov 2012 at 08.256
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I'm glad the President of the United States, is visiting Thailand. A free trade agreeement between Thailand, and the USA, would benefit Thailand. I understand the fear of opening a market, especially if over the years, you've enjoyed trade surpluses. The U.S. Defense Secretary is a brilinat Secretary of defense. He will help Thailand. I hope all goes well and Thailand, benefits from a meeting with President Obama.
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djay
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Discussion 5 : 15 Nov 2012 at 07.335
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Disc 4: Versus what? A whole army of EU officials? What's the difference, every country is pushing trade and every country is pushing it to their benefit.
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davidh
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Discussion 4 : 15 Nov 2012 at 06.324
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Money laundering by crime syndicates and currency manipulation by market makers pose serious concerns for all Countries and their Central Banks. Thailand has always been reluctant to endorse changes to the colour of capital movements, being a purist proponent of the free market economy.

Times have changed though since 1997 and given that nothing else in the TPP is adverse, Thailand is likely to allow the U.S to twist its arm. The President's visit is just the icing on the cake. A whole army of U.S Government Servants, Captains of Industry and Economists will be there just out of camera reach.
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nitnoi
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Discussion 3 : 15 Nov 2012 at 05.073
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Dickfarang.....Some employees might be inactive post and still remain in Thailand for vacation ,Probably on american tax payers.They learned from Thai government's workers.
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DickFarang
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Discussion 2 : 15 Nov 2012 at 03.212
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Why does the US embassy have a staff of 600 people ?
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