After visiting Washington, DC, last week, Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said the US government had encouraged Thailand to adjust its rules and regulations in many sectors if it wants to join the pact, as the agreement is very strict.

Moreover, the US Chamber of Commerce supports Thailand joining the TPP so will keep its tariff privileges, as the Generalised System of Preferences will not last much longer.

The USCC has also suggested that the TPP would benefit Thailand in terms of trade and investment in the long run.

Worrying issues

Apiradi said US officials had discussed with their Thai counterparts worrying issues about the TPP related to pharmaceutical and IP rights.

The Thai government will take this information into consideration when discussing whether to join the TPP during a meeting of the International Economic Policy Committee this Friday.

Three US travel-goods manufacturers – Coach, Michael Kors and Under Armour – also met with Apiradi to discuss their plans to expand their businesses in Thailand.

They supported Thailand joining the TPP, saying that doing so would increase the confidence of US investors to make long-term commitments to doing business in Thailand.