THAIS should watch three key issues surrounding the negotiation on 36 percent tariff US President Donald Trump is imposing on exports from the country and should demand transparent disclosure of any agreement reached, Naewna quoted an academic as saying today (July 13).
Dr. Suriyasai Katasila, dean of Rangsit University’s College of Social Innovation, said in a Facebook post the next few days before this tariff is imposed on August 1 is a dangerous period which all Thais should carefully watch.
This tariff is applied under the pretext that Thailand has caused the US to register a prolonged trade deficit, he said, but this is not just about international trade as it is a strategic negotiation that could affect the entire Thai economic structure, production base, labour and policy sovereignty.
With the “final round of negotiation” between the Thai and US governments now taking place it is still not known what Thailand will be “forced to give up” in exchange for tariff deferral or relaxation.
He urged citizens, media and public policy followers to keep an eye on the following three important issues:
– What will the government “open up” in exchange for tax reduction? Will there be an opening of the market for goods, services, or some kind of policy that will affect the domestic economy?
– Will there be secret agreements or special privileges for foreign companies? Should the public demand that the government disclose the negotiation process transparently?
– Is this an opportunity to review Thailand’s long-term trade policy? Will action be taken to just support exports, or will this opportunity be used to develop a new strategy to make Thailand stronger in a changing world?
The public was urged to not let the negotiation lead to a “secret policy” agreed upon behind closed doors as they would have to suffer the consequences later.
This is not just about the 36 percent tariff but is an important test for Thailand to stand on the world stage with dignity, he added.
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Top and Front Page: Klong Toey port. Photo: Thai Rath
Insert: Dr. Suriyasai Katasila. Photo: Thai Rath
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