Thai private sector concerned over EU-Thai FTA talks

BANGKOK, June 24 (TNA) - Trade and economic experts fear that the European Union (EU)'s decision on reviewing its relations with Thailand may delay an EU-Thai free trade agreement (FTA) talks. Krirk-krai Jirapaet, Chairman of the Thai Institute of Directors, admitted on Tuesday that the EU's decision could delay the planned FTA negotiations between the EU and Thailand. Krirk-krai acknowledged that the EU is upset with Thailand's May 22 coup, but the 28-nation trade bloc did not call off trade relations with Bangkok, but it has only decided to refrain from welcoming visits of Thai authorities and to suspend visits of EU authorities to Thailand, reflecting its diplomatic responses. Krirk-krai pointed out that the EU is ready to review its relations with Thailand, after the Kingdom holds a fresh general election. Ajva Taulananda, Vice Board Chair of Charoen Pokphand Group, said he believes that the EU's resolution on Monday should affect only some local businesses, and that other countries should better understand Thailand when they see a progress in national reform. Regarding the United States downgrading Thailand from its Tier 2 to Tier 3 category of countries with the worst human trafficking problem, Ajva suggested that Thai public and private sectors convince Washington and other trading partners that Thailand has seriously tackled human trafficking- related problems. Ajva noted, however, that the issue has not affected Thai products because Washington has not boycotted Thai goods. Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Labour ML Boontharik Samiti told reporters that his ministry plans to convince international consumers that Thai business operators did not use child labour or forced alien labour. Besides, his ministry will encourage local shrimp, fish, sugarcane and textile producers to join the Good Labour Practices (GLP) Program to help boost confidence among overseas consumers. (TNA)