Parliament Greenlights Thailand-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement

[webfact]

 

Thailand's parliament has granted unanimous endorsement to the EU-Thailand Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA). The agreement, set to take effect in 30 days, aims to enhance bilateral relations and foster cooperation across multiple key policy areas.

 

In a joint session comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate, the framework agreement received 612 votes in favour. This significant endorsement marks a pivotal step in deepening ties between Thailand and the European Union (EU).

 

On 14th December 2022, the PCA was signed in Brussels. The then-foreign minister, Don Pramudwinai, represented Thailand, while Petr Fiala, the Czech Prime Minister, acted as the EU Council President, and Joseph Borrell, Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, signed on behalf of the EU.

 

The agreement sets the stage for extensive cooperation in areas such as the environment, energy, climate change, transport, science and technology, trade, employment, human rights, education, agriculture, counter-terrorism, anti-corruption, migration, and cultural exchange. The PCA aims to promote political dialogue on pressing global issues and create a broad framework for mutually advantageous collaboration.

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa highlighted that the PCA will serve as a foundational platform for further discussions and enhanced cooperation. The agreement also lays out a manual for both parties to ensure smooth implementation and adherence to the outlined objectives, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Nikorndej Balankura, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pointed out the critical economic implications of the PCA. The EU stands as Thailand's fourth-largest trade partner and sixth-largest investor. This agreement is poised to unlock new trade and investment opportunities, particularly accelerating negotiations for a Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

 

The PCA is expected to make Thai enterprises more competitive on the global stage, improve access to research funding, and elevate Thailand's international standing. Moreover, ongoing discussions aim to secure Schengen visa exemptions for Thai passport holders, further facilitating business and tourism between Thailand and EU member states.

 

The approval of the EU-Thailand Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is a landmark development, signifying Thailand's commitment to strengthening its international alliances. The multifaceted cooperation envisaged under this agreement is anticipated to bring substantial benefits, fostering economic growth, political dialogue, and cultural exchange between Thailand and the European Union.

 

Picture courtesy: Sanook

 

-- 2024-08-31

 

 

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[watchcat]

26 minutes ago, webfact said:

The agreement, set to take effect in 30 days, aims to enhance bilateral relations

 

Ah, they, Thailand  wan'ts an easy way to educate their spoiled brats ?

 

On a sidenote EU have enough immigrants from Arabs etc allready.

[stoner]

 does the EU know about this plan ? 

[ikke1959]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

he agreement sets the stage for extensive cooperation in areas such as the environment, energy, climate change, transport, science and technology, trade, employment, human rights, education, agriculture, counter-terrorism, anti-corruption, migration, and cultural exchange

Now there is a lot of work to do for Thailand.... Human Rights?? freedom of expression and opinion, writing and speech is not possible from jail No same sex marriage yet as it seems there is a refusal to sign the law. Terrible circumstances in prisons etc Education ??is pre WOII and means indoctrination of old fashion ideas, anti corruption/?? How on earth will they cancel that?? The Red Bull case as an example, and many many more even the Government with Thaksin and cronies as latest hits.  Climate change?  with outdated cars blacksmoke cars, no effort to use less motorcycles, burning fields and airpollution?? transport ?? the same old trucks, blacksmoke, no infrastructure as the motorways are outdated and no new are being built...Enviroment?? all rice fields are being sold to built houses on, deforestation and illegal building in the parks...  

We all know Thailand want a lot but will never do anything

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, stoner said:

 does the EU know about this plan ? 

I don't think so, but when they do and Thailand comes knocking on the door they might find-out the EU has a lot of regulations that need to be followed, before any agreements are made.

[watchcat]

On 8/31/2024 at 2:14 AM, stoner said:

 does the EU know about this plan ? 

 

Not yet, but they will

[bkknirvana]

European commission is a communist organization.

[Schnicnac]

Working with the EUSSR, what can possibly go wrong?

[JonnyF]

On 8/31/2024 at 2:37 PM, hotchilli said:

I don't think so, but when they do and Thailand comes knocking on the door they might find-out the EU has a lot of regulations that need to be followed, before any agreements are made.

 

I'm sure Thailand will agree to everything if it is financially beneficial to do so.

 

However, after 17 years working for corporations here, I have found that just because Thais agree to follow laid out rules and regulations does not mean that they will. 

 

When managers from HQ come here and lay out the rules, it's normally a case of "Absolutely Sir, Goodbye Sir, have a great trip and see you again na khap" followed by "right, let's get back to normal" 5 minutes after the car heads to the airport. 

 

The EU will have a tough time trying to control and regulate everything Thailand does, as they will undoubtedly will want to do. 

[Schnicnac]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

 

I'm sure Thailand will agree to everything if it is financially beneficial to do so.

 

However, after 17 years working for corporations here, I have found that just because Thais agree to follow laid out rules and regulations does not mean that they will. 

 

When managers from HQ come here and lay out the rules, it's normally a case of "Absolutely Sir, Goodbye Sir, have a great trip and see you again na khap" followed by "right, let's get back to normal" 5 minutes after the car heads to the airport. 

 

The EU will have a tough time trying to control and regulate everything Thailand does, as they will undoubtedly will want to do. 

 

They will probably need to write many, many important letters with fancy letterheads warning Thailand or impose tariffs 🙂

[JonnyF]

3 minutes ago, Schnicnac said:

 

They will probably need to write many, many important letters with fancy letterheads warning Thailand or impose tariffs 🙂

 

Fortunately there is no shortage of overpaid, unelected, authoritarian technocrats in the EU to carry out such a task.