Thailand-EU ink MoUs on tourism and SME businesses

BANGKOK, 18 November 2013 (NNT) – Thailand and the European Union (EU) have signed 2 memorandums of understanding on tourism and SME businesses.

Bilateral relations between Thailand and the EU have been strengthened after Mr. Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship, signed agreements with two ministers of Thailand: Industry Minister Prasert Boonchaisuk and Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak.

Under the agreements, both parties will be obligated to support each other in terms of regulations aimed at easing Thailand's and the EU's tourism and SME industries.

The two-way trade between Thailand and the EU last year accounted for 1.3 trillion baht, making Thailand the third largest ASEAN trade partner of the European Union, while the EU was Thailand’s second largest investment destination.

After the signing, Minister Prasert said the move was part of the government’s plan to build business networks with other countries around the world.


-- NNT 2013-11-18

I wonder whether it's worth the paper it's written on.

"both parties will be obligated to support each other in terms of regulations aimed at easing Thailand's and the EU's tourism and SME industries", but visitors are made the new cash-cows, when entering the Kingdom, whilest staying and when leaving again. Visas get more expensive by the year, and I'm not yet looking at the "private" rip-offs.

SMEs have to fight with red-tape, just to set up a business, finding qualified staff is nearly impossible and whenever you have to deal with civil servants (did somebody say "Customs"?) they try to milk you dry again. Corruption wherever you look, and nice smiles can't hide it.

And on the EU side the barrieres are going higher and higher for Thais to enter, even if for business visits.

It would be nicve, if things get smoother, only I don't see it happening anywhere...

Sam