Campaigners call for caution, transparency in free trade deal with Japan
MCOT | 31 Jan 2007
Campaigners call for caution, transparency in free trade deal with Japan
BANGKOK, Jan 31 (TNA) - Critics of the proposed Japan Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement have warned the government not to rush the draft free trade agreement through the National Legislative Assembly.
Chakchai Chomthongdee of the FTA Watch Group told reporters that the group sent letters Tuesday to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and Suwimol Phumsingharaj of the National Legislative Assembly, urging both parties to review the proposed free trade deal.
“FTA Watch doesn’t oppose the bill nor do we want to kill it but we want to see more public participation and transparency in the negotiating process. We urged the government to exercise caution. The deal needs to be reviewed and reassessed,” Mr Chakchai said.
He also pointed out that the Foreign Ministry which represents Thailand in the negotiation with Japan should not be responsible for organising the public hearing on the proposed trade pact.
The government should appoint an independent body and nullify the result of the public hearing which the Foreign Ministry held on December 22 at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, he added.
Chakchai accused the Foreign Ministry of hastily arranged the hearing and claimed to have the support of the participants in its submission to the Cabinet which acknowledged the result of the public hearing during its meeting on January 23.
It was unclear, he added, how the invited participants could vote for the draft proposal when the text has not been made public.
The draft agreement is awaiting scrutiny by the National Legislative Assembly.
FTA Watch and other activist groups are concerned that the draft agreement with Japan could pave the way for dumping of toxic waste and hazardous chemicals in the country.
