Thailand institutional framework for FTA negotiation

Abstract

This article aims to analyze institutional framework relating to the implementation of international trade and investment agreements, especially Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which Thailand is a member country and going to be a member country, to recommend appropriate guidelines for integration of process and institution to comply with commitments under international trade and investment agreements. The article covers an overview of the institutional mechanism and process of establishing agreement and the implementation of specific areas such as Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). The article indicates problems of integration of institutional framework in Thailand and renders important recommendations both for general issues (such as Thai government should formulate strategy and create strategic roadmap for trade and investment negotiation) and for specific issues (such as Thailand should conduct a periodical review of existing technical standards to assess their compliance with FTAs). This article is based on a research project named “Thailand’s Institutional Reform in the Face of International Trade and Investment Obligations” of International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) conducted using several research methodologies including documentary research, field survey, in-depth interviews and focus group.