Bangkok is ready to ink Thai-Japan FTA : FM

Thai government is now ready to sign Thai-Japan Free Trade Agreement that has been concluded in the previous government, Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram said Wednesday.

It is up to Japan when it would ink the agreement as Thailand is ready at any time, Nitya said.

The Thai minister was speaking after meeting with Japan's Deputy Foreign Minister Katsuhito Asano.

"Thailand is ready to sign Thai-Japan FTA at any time. It is up to Japan," Nitya told reporters.

He quoted Asano as telling him that Japan has closely followed political situations in Thailand including coup d'etat.

"Japan is well aware of Thai government's seriousness to bring the country back to normal situation. Japan wish to see Thai government lifts the martial laws as soon as possible," Nitya said.

Tokyo also expressed concerns on Thai people who are affected by the present floods.

Thai and Japanese officials have concluded the details of Thai-Japan FTA during Thaksin government. However, the agreement has yet to be implemented, pending the official signing of the agreement.

Source: The Nation - 25 October 2006

Could this have any effect on the tax rates applied to Japanese CKU or CBU cars?

They are absurdly high at present.

Thai government is now ready to sign Thai-Japan Free Trade Agreement that has been concluded in the previous government, Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram said Wednesday.

I seem to recall some discussion during the caretaker government of Toxin that they were unable to sign any FTA's because they needed approval and that required waiting until an elected government is in place.

Why have they now decided that a military junta has the right to sign,,,The Thai public has not had any chance to voice their opinions...