Thailand seeks to join TPP

 

FILE photo

 

Thailand's government has expressed its desire to join the 11-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP.

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said this to reporters on Thursday. He said it is important to prepare for being a member of the free trade agreement.

The deputy prime minister added a working team will be set up in the Ministry of Commerce and the government will seek support from Japan on the matter.

 

Full story: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180330_04/

 

-- NHK WORLD 2018-03-30

"...The 11 member nations signed the TPP agreement earlier this month. The partnership will go into force 60 days after at least 6 member countries complete domestic procedures, such as gaining parliamentary approval..."

Thailand's government apparently decided to join the TPP to avoid losing out in multilateral free trade.

 

Hmm... actually, Thailand may APPLY to join the TPP. And likely enter into negotiations to see if it is feasible.

 

A serious question; what does Thailand have to offer that Vietnam and/or Malaysia can't provide? Is there a good reason to accept Thailand?

 

Anyone knowledgeable on the details of the TPP? And on how it may benefit from having Thailand as a part of it?

 

4 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

what does Thailand have to offer that Vietnam and/or Malaysia can't provide

Almost 70 million consumers, about twice that of Malaysia.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand seeks to join TPP

Some of the Thai government ministries, DPM Somkid and Thai economists have favored Thailand joining TPP.

Prayut was the only holdout. Possible because of a political commitment to China's Silk Road partnership that was being challenged by Obama's TPP. Now with Trump's withdrawal of the US from TPP and threat of a trade war with the US, Prayut can apply to TPP without perhaps offending China.

7 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

"...The 11 member nations signed the TPP agreement earlier this month. The partnership will go into force 60 days after at least 6 member countries complete domestic procedures, such as gaining parliamentary approval..."

Thailand's government apparently decided to join the TPP to avoid losing out in multilateral free trade.

 

Hmm... actually, Thailand may APPLY to join the TPP. And likely enter into negotiations to see if it is feasible.

 

A serious question; what does Thailand have to offer that Vietnam and/or Malaysia can't provide? Is there a good reason to accept Thailand?

 

Anyone knowledgeable on the details of the TPP? And on how it may benefit from having Thailand as a part of it?

 

How's this for starters? Lots more where this came from via a quick Google search.

9 Ways the TPP Is Bad for Developing Countries

The TPP is supposed to create a level playing field for trade. Instead, it unfairly shackles developing economies.

http://foreignpolicy.com/2015/07/07/9-ways-the-tpp-is-bad-for-developing-countries/

 

If that means no more 400% tax on wine then I'm all in!