OPINION

Tariffs not trivial

Re: "US views removal of GSP perks as trivial", (Business, Nov 5).

Both American and Thai economic officials are downplaying the withdrawal of tariff exemptions on specific Thai exports to the US. But clearly these efforts are simply attempts to gloss over yet another awkward measure imposed by the Trump administration that further tests Thai-US relations.

US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has characterised the current tariff exemptions on US$1.3 billion (39.3 billion baht) in Thai exports as "trivial". Of course, a billion dollars here and a billion dollars there may be trivial in the eyes of the US economy. But, if it is the case that the tariffs are so "trivial", why not retain the zero-tariff rates currently in place?

This removal of the tariff exemptions is akin to slapping your friend in the face, and then saying it's not serious because you didn't hit so hard. A slap is a slap; it's a big insult no matter how hard you hit.

Moreover, if you are a Thai exporter of one of the 573 products targeted for the tariff increase, and operating on a slim profit margin to be competitive, the 4.5% tariff increase is undoubtedly more than a trivial addition.

Wolves and lambs

Re: "China says ready to work with Asean for South China Sea peace", (Online, Nov 3).

It sounded like a beady-eyed wolf, slightly baring it's teeth, and saying to a flock of 10 lambs, "I am ready to work with you to decide what should be on our dinner menu."

While some lambs cringed and some turned to look at each other, very much doubting the wolf's sincerity, one cute starry-eyed lamb naively chimed in, "I am eager to work with you, sir."

Fall from glory

Re: "Will Brexit turn Great Britain into Little England", (Opinion, Nov 4).

Yes, indeed. It is difficult to understand how Brexit could make Britain stronger by severing its ties with its neighbours. It is very sad to see that bad leadership in England is creating new fault lines and frictions in Europe. It is rather difficult to understand how the UK could thrive by severing its ties to the EU. Instead of leading the charge to make the EU more united and efficient, it has chosen a path of seclusion. The old colonial-era technique of "divide and rule" is now fully embraced by the United States. Mr Trump is now turning the tables to weaken the UK further. The US is facing a similar crisis by ignoring neighbours on its southern border.

Although the UK is an island, in this new century, "no country is an island on its own". Without the trade and contribution of other countries, no country can prosper. Any that seeks to do so, whether by closing itself off from the rest of the world or by not abiding by global rules of engagement, seeks only to instill high levels of marginalisation, isolation and suffering on its people. Brexit is basically a separatist stance that will further weaken the UK's dwindling economy.

Whether it is in Hong Kong, the Thai deep South, Indian Kashmir, Iraq, or Syria, regional unity, integration, and economic development is what is urgently needed. Separations, divorces, divisions and departures can only lead to disintegration. It is time the UK learnt from its own fall from colonial-era glory.