ID :
114391
Thu, 04/01/2010 - 09:40
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/114391
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Thai image in ASEAN improves despite political rallies
BANGKOK, April 1 (TNA) – Thailand’s image within the ASEAN venue has improved from that of last year although political rallies by anti-government demonstrators continue unabated, according to Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan.
Speaking after delivering a special lecture on “AFTA: Opportunities and Challenges for Listed Companies in Thailand", he said although the political rallies dragged on, they proceeded under the country's constitutional framework.
They did not turn violent as did the mass protests that occurred last year.
Also, both conflicting parties resorted to negotiations to exchange views and find a solution to the political divide. It reflected another step of the political development in Thailand.
However, he said, if the rallies were prolonged, it would affect investment confidence, tourism, and international trade. It would make Thailand lose its opportunity to compete with its rival as the global economy is recovering and pulling out of the crisis.
He allowed should the political turmoil persist, the private sector would not benefit fully from the implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area agreement.
Worse still, the sector might lose markets it deserves to get from the ASEAN-China trade and other trade frameworks.
“The dissolution of the House of Representatives to end the political crisis is acceptable to all parties if it takes place under the democratic system. Personally, I want to see the political situation in Thailand return to normal as soon as possible,” he said.
Regarding ASEAN trade liberalisation, Mr Surin said, Thailand is ready to give full cooperation because it had initiated the framework since 1992.
Industries with which Thailand could compete following the liberalisation include food processing, retail trade, automobile production, tourism and medical services. (TNA)
Speaking after delivering a special lecture on “AFTA: Opportunities and Challenges for Listed Companies in Thailand", he said although the political rallies dragged on, they proceeded under the country's constitutional framework.
They did not turn violent as did the mass protests that occurred last year.
Also, both conflicting parties resorted to negotiations to exchange views and find a solution to the political divide. It reflected another step of the political development in Thailand.
However, he said, if the rallies were prolonged, it would affect investment confidence, tourism, and international trade. It would make Thailand lose its opportunity to compete with its rival as the global economy is recovering and pulling out of the crisis.
He allowed should the political turmoil persist, the private sector would not benefit fully from the implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area agreement.
Worse still, the sector might lose markets it deserves to get from the ASEAN-China trade and other trade frameworks.
“The dissolution of the House of Representatives to end the political crisis is acceptable to all parties if it takes place under the democratic system. Personally, I want to see the political situation in Thailand return to normal as soon as possible,” he said.
Regarding ASEAN trade liberalisation, Mr Surin said, Thailand is ready to give full cooperation because it had initiated the framework since 1992.
Industries with which Thailand could compete following the liberalisation include food processing, retail trade, automobile production, tourism and medical services. (TNA)
