Top trade negotiator Bajr Issarasena dies, aged 79
Thailand lost a tough trade negotiator yesterday when former Commerce permanent secretary Bajr Issarasena died from colon cancer at Ramathibodi Hospital, where he'd been under treatment for a month.
Bajr, 79, led the Thai team in fights against unfair trade practices, as well as protecting Thailand’s benefit in global talks under the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (Gatt) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
One of his outstanding achievements was to lead trade negotiators defending Thailand during the US’ demand for market access for its cigarette makers.
The marathon negotiations failed during bilateral talks and Thailand had to take the case to the WTO for settlement.
Thailand eventually had to open its market to American cigarettes following a WTO ruling. However, Thailand is now the only country that can block all ad campaigns in its local market and, under is permitted under the WTO ruling to increase import tariffs against such dangerous products.
His experience in commodity products encouraged Bajr to systemise trading practices, not only in rice but cassava and other products in both the domestic market and in exports.
Bajr graduated from Cambridge University in eco?nomics and started work as a civil servant at the Ministry of Commerce for Business Registration Department in 1954 – now the Business Development Department.
Bajr was an official of great integrity who fought on several occasions against corruption by politicians in farm subsidy schemes and export quotas.
His bathing rite will be held today at Wat Thadthong, Sala Chao-jom at 4pm. The funeral chant will be held at 7pm until Feb 5. Today it will start at 6pm.
