Why Thailand should be wary about joining the TPP

The US-led Trans Pacific Partnership was forged amid opposition even within that country’s Democratic Party. Even presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama’s former secretary of state, has distanced herself from the trade pact.

It was created to allow US companies to take more profit from their trading partners in the region.

The business sector of each participating country will undoubtedly benefit from the pact. However, ordinary citizen-consumers will have to pay more for US products under the TPP clause on intellectual property rights. For example, exorbitantly priced drugs would mean that poor people who fall sick can no longer afford treatment and might simply be left to die.

Thus, the TTP is not in line with the principle of equity among trading partners of the US, a principle frequently extolled by the US government.

Thailand should look for opportunities to be more self-sufficient and innovative, and strive to create new products and open new markets for exports. Our country is much in need of a long-term vision. Hence, joining the TPP is something Thailand must think carefully about.

Vint Chavala