The government is urgently developing strategies for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various countries, aligning with state policies. A focus on the potential impacts on Thai farmers is emphasized.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, chaired the 1st meeting of 2023 of the International Economic Policy Committee at Government House. He disclosed that the meeting detailed global trade strategies, including plans for FTAs with multiple countries.
Specific countries were not mentioned, but the committee will strategize on a country-by-country basis due to its significance and urgency for the next meeting. This will set the overall FTA strategy and identify target countries.
In addition, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Captain Thamanat Prompow, stated that while his ministry agrees on the need for more trade negotiations, there is concern over the sensitive nature of agriculture.
He cautioned that any action causing distress to farmers should be avoided to protect Thai interests. (NNT)
