EU free-trade talk plans firm

News > Local News

EUROPE TRIP

Published: 7 Mar 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Thailand is preparing to enter free-trade talks with the European Union despite opposition by health activists.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, right, is shown around the Belgian parliament yesterday. The premier has taken Thai delegates to discuss issues related to a freetrade agreement with European Union representatives in Belgium on a two-day trip.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong said the first negotiations on a proposed free trade agreement will take place in Brussels in May. Talks will then be organised at least every quarter, including in Bangkok.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

Forum

Your comments

watchdog
Post : 247
Send message

Discussion 1 : 07 Mar 2013 at 11.161
Post this to my Facebook
Although I appreciate the concern of health advocates, there is a more general problem here about Thailand's unwillingness to agree to arbitration between private parties and Thai governmental agencies. Even when the Thai government agrees to such arbitration, it has been unwilling to honor (pay) such awards when it loses. And it is not in the area of health where it has this problem, but rather on large infrastructure projects. Unless Thailand agrees to arbitration of disputes in this area, its cost of funding such projects will be off the map.
Like dislike 0 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment

EU free-trade talk plans firm | Bangkok Post: news