WT/TPR/M/326  
3 February 2016  
(16-0722)  Page: 1/43  
Trade Policy Review Body 
24 and 26 November 2015  
 
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
THAILAND  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING 
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Atanas Atanassov Paparizov (Bulgaria) 
CONTENTS 
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ....................................................... 2  
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THAILAND ................................... 5  
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT ................................................................................ 8  
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS ........................................................................................ 12  
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE  OF THAILAND AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS ..................................................................................................................... 34  
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAI RPERSON ......................................................... 42  
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Thailand are reproduced in docu ment WT/TPR/M/326/Add.1 and will be available 
online at http://www.wto.org/englis h/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
1.1.  The seventh Trade Policy Review of Thailand was held on 24 and 26 November 2015. The 
Chairperson H.E. Mr Atanas Atanassov Paparizov (Bulgaria) welcomed the delegation of Thailand headed by Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Trade 
Negotiations; H.E. Ambassador Boonyarit Kalayanami t, Permanent Representative of Thailand to 
the WTO; the rest of the delegation from Bangko k; other colleagues from the Mission in Geneva; 
and the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Wayne McCook (Jamaica). 
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Tr ade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Thailand was contained in document WT/TPR/G/326 and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/326. 
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been  submitted in writing before the deadline of 
5.30 pm on 10 November 2015 and had been transmitted to Thailand: Australia; Mexico; China; 
Canada; the European Union; Chile; the United States; Japan; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Brazil; the Russian Federation; Hong Kong, China; an d Norway. The following delegations submitted 
written questions after the deadline: Colombia; Honduras; Argentina; New Zealand; the Republic 
of Korea; and Malaysia. These questions had also been transmitted to Thailand. 
1.4.  At Thailand's previous TPRB meeting (28 and 30 November 2011), Members had 
acknowledged the role of its relatively open economy and trade and investment in its growth and 
development. The meeting had taken place against the backdrop of severe flooding that had led to the deaths of hundreds of people, had caused se vere damage to infrastructure and production 
(valued at over 2.3% of GDP), and had disrupted international supply chains for both industrial 
and agricultural goods. Thailand had been commended for recovering from the global financial 
crisis without taking trade restrictive measures an d for making improvements in the area of trade 
facilitation.  
1.5.  During this latest review period, Thailand's real GDP growth decreased progressively to 0.9% 
in 2014 as a result of several endogenous and ex ogenous challenges to its resilient economy. 
Monetary and fiscal stimulus measures were expe cted to help raise GDP this year and in 2016. 
Limited trade and trade related structural reforms in  the areas of rice and energy subsidies' pricing 
were undertaken, and long awaited reforms aimed at spurring productivity growth were under 
consideration. These aimed to improve Thailand's international competitiveness, and enhancing growth to address, inter alia , a rapidly aging population, the stalled reallocation of resources from 
agriculture to higher value added sectors, and go vernment expenditure-related distortions such as 
subsidies and SOE losses. The Chairperson believed Members would be interested to know more about these plans.  
1.6.  In 2011, Members had also noted that foreign direct investment (FDI) had declined and had 
pointed to several existing measures that had obstructed investment, such as limits on foreign ownership. During the review period, FDI caps remained in place in several activities (e.g. media; 
agriculture; forestry; fisheries; transportation; mining; various businesses relating to arts, 
handicraft and culture; financial services; telecommunications; and tourism). Official approval was required in various other subsectors before foreign investment may proceed. 
1.7.  With regard to trade policy, a very obvious trend both in 2011 and today was Thailand's 
continued pursuit of trade liberalization at the regional and bilateral levels. At the time of the 
previous review, it had been noted that the ov erlapping trade agreements which had resulted 
could be confusing for exporters as they faced a variety of import charges or different rules of 
origin. Over the review period, an RTA with Peru  entered into force and an RTA had been signed 
with Chile. Various other new, and changes to  existing, RTAs were under negotiation. 
1.8.  At the time of the previous review, some Members had considered that Thailand had had a 
complicated tariff structure and a large number of unbound tariffs. Thailand had undertaken 
unilateral MFN tariff reductions on certain seafood products in 2014, and was considering proceeding with further cuts to simplify its tari ff structure in the course of 2015. As consequence 
of tariff line changes relating to the introduc tion of the HS2012 tariff nomenclature and higher 
ad valorem  equivalent rates, the average applied MFN tariff rate had risen from 11.2% (2011) to 
13.4% (2014) but the tariff structure had become relatively less complex owing to a slight WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  reduction in the number of different applied MFN rates and an increase in tariff lines subject to 
ad valorem  rates. Thailand had become a signatory to the Revised Kyoto Convention and on 
5 October 2015, two weeks prior to the circulat ion of the Government and Secretariat reports 
submitted for this TPRB meeting, it ratified the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation. 
1.9.  In 2011, Thailand had been encouraged to make greater use of international standards for 
both TBT and SPS measures and to improve tran sparency. Concerns had been expressed about 
health warnings on alcohol products. At present, the share of national standards that were 
identical or similar to international standards remained at 32.3%. During the review period, certain 
Members raised specific trade concerns regarding certain standards and labelling-related measures, pertaining, for example, to meat, food inspection fees, alcoholic beverages, pneumatic 
tyres of rubber, and ceramic tiles. Thailand ha d become an observer to the WTO Committee on 
Government Procurement. The use of government  procurement as an instrument of economic 
policy, including price preferences of 7% being ac corded to domestic suppliers, remained largely 
unchanged.  
1.10.  At the time of the previous review, some Members had referred to Thailand's complex 
system of income and corporation tax which made compliance expensive and acted as a deterrent to investment. Concerns had been also expressed that different excise duties on similar products 
tended to favour domestically produced goods to the detriment of imports of, for example, 
alcoholic drinks. Concerns about allegedly discretionary excise tax practices and plans affecting alcoholic beverages and automobiles continued to be raised by certain Members during this review period. 
1.11.  In 2011, despite steps taken by Thailand to im prove the protection of intellectual property 
rights, some Members had considered that the system continued to be deficient and several problems, including counterfeiting and piracy, had been pointed out. During the review period, 
Thailand continued to consider ways to strengthen protection of intellectual property rights by 
preparing new laws or legal amendments in several areas to, inter alia , align its legislative 
framework with the provisions of several international treaties that it had not yet signed. 
1.12.  From a sectoral standpoint, at the time of the previous review, some Members had 
expressed concern about agricultural policy measures, such as domestic support and tariff quota administration, and their impact on trade. During the review period, Thailand continued to pursue 
a costly and controversial price intervention scheme for rice up until 2014, when it was 
discontinued by the interim Government. Various short-term support measures were taken over 
the period 2014/15, but a long-term strategy for the rice sector had yet to be fully determined. Tariff rate quotas remained in place and in a number of cases utilization rates had been low.  
1.13.  As at the time of Thailand's previous review, services had remained the main pillar of its 
economy. In 2011, Members had been concerned am ong others by foreign ownership and market 
access restrictions in some areas (financial services (particularly insurance), telecommunications, 
maritime and professional services). During the review period, there had been some liberalization 
of banking services, and in both banking and insurance, legal flexibilities allowing greater foreign 
participation in these subsectors had been used. In telecommunications, the launch of 3G services resulted in a huge increase in the take-up of mobile and wireless broadband services. Greater 
competition in the mobile market segment had led to retail price decreases. The Government was 
actively promoting Thailand as a centre for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services. Key maritime laws were under review and a carg o reservation policy remained in place. 
1.14.  Despite the progress already achieved since the previous review, judging from Members' 
advance questions, a number of challenges remained to be addressed by Thailand. The Chairperson drew attention to some areas where Members would like more clarity as to the way 
forward. These included: first, progress in implem enting existing regional integration projects and 
plans for negotiating new RTAs; second, developmen ts with respect to existing and forthcoming 
standards, SPS and labelling requirements for certain products (e.g. alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, meat); third, the ways to strengthen IPRs protection and enforcement; fourth, 
developments in the rice, sugar and fisheries ac tivities; and finally, the prospects for further 
openness in key services sectors (e.g. fi nancial, telecoms, maritime services). WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  1.15.  The Chairperson noted that delegations referred in their questions to these and many other 
issues and he looked forward to hearing comments from Thailand. 
1.16.  He closed his introductory remarks by wish ing Thailand a very successful seventh Trade 
Policy Review. He looked forward to its active engagement in this TPR. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THAILAND (MS. SUNANTA 
KANGVALKULKIJ) 
2.1.  O n  b e h a l f  o f  t h e  R o y a l  T h a i  G o v e r n m e n t ,  i t  g i v e s  m e  g r e a t  p l e a s u r e  t o  b e  h e r e  w i t h  y o u  
today. First and foremost, I would like to thank the WTO Secretariat for a thorough report of 
Thailand's trade policy and their hard work leading up to this meeting, and to thank our 
discussant, Ambassador Wayne McCook, for taking the time to participate in this exercise. We also thank the Members for showing interest in submitting questions.  
Economic environment and trade policy developments 
2.2.  During the past four years, Thailand has faced political difficulties, economic uncertainties, as 
well as natural disasters. Nevertheless, Thailand's economic fundamentals remain strong. Thailand's economic growth is now recovering from those unfortunate situations according to the 
revised forecast from the National Economic and Social Development Board on 16 November 2015.  
2.3.  It is projected that the Thai economy in 2015  will expand by 2.9%, improving from 0.9% 
growth in 2014. Export and agriculture production for the entire year seem to be on the decline; 
however, the Government has worked hard to alleviate the effects from external factors, by 
"building strength from within" through facili tative programmes such as supporting good 
infrastructure for SMEs and increasing networks among farmers and traders. A higher-than-
expected number of inbound tourists, at more than 30 million, also help offsetting the stagnation 
in other sectors. 
2.4.  We also registered positive flows on the statistics regarding investment. It is forecasted that 
private consumption and total investment will grow by 2% and 4.6%, respectively. It was also 
revealed that private investment, which accounted for 15%-20% of the country's GDP, is expected 
to expand by 4.7% in 2016 compared with the 1.3% expansion forecast for this year and a contraction of 2% in 2014.  
2.5.  Recognizing that 2016 may well be the year of investment, the Government has recently 
geared toward the establishment of six Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with maximum incentives in five provinces, linking the Thai economy an d investment with the region and major trading 
partners. In the second phase of this programme, which is anticipated to begin in 2016, seven 
special economic zones will be established in five more provinces. The establishment of special economic zones is expected to help Thailand mitigate labour shortage problems as well as facilitate the sourcing of raw materials. 
2.6.  In addition, the Government under the new economic team plans to provide additional 
development programme for industries in the "super clusters". The super cluster development plan programme is to help strengthen value chain and enhance overall industrial base in the country. 
We expect that this project will attract more investors especially in high-tech industries. 
Furthermore, Thailand is now pushing forward with the development of infrastructure throughout the country, such as investment in water resour ce management for developing new agriculture 
technology and upgrading of national railway network.  
2.7.  The Government is also committed to improving the overall investment environment, such as 
by enhancing licensing procedure, establishing one stop service, as well as enacted the Licensing Facilitation Act to enhance the transparency and accountability of the government procedures for 
citizens and foreign investors alike. Thailand's latest legislative reform is the amendment of Private 
Investment in State Undertakings Act, known as the PPP law. It was amended to ease the bottleneck in the government's approval process so that joint public-private investments could see 
quicker flow. 
Regional trade arrangements 2.8.  Thailand has maintained its active and constructive role in the multilateral trading system. 
We stand committed to both the negotiation and implementation aspects of the WTO as we believe 
that the healthy multilateral trading system will result in the strong global trade and world economy in the long run. On the implementation fr ont, we have submitted our ratification of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in October this year, submitted the notification to provide WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  Duty-Free Quota-Free (DFQF) market access to LDC products, and is undertaking necessary 
domestic procedures to grant the preferential trea tment in line with the decision on LDC Services 
Waiver. Furthermore, we aim to accept the Pr otocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement by MC10. 
2.9.  We further believe that the regional and bilateral trade arrangements are valuable and 
complementary to our role in the multilateral trading system. ASEAN member States have been on 
the strongest front as our partners in economic, cultural, political aspects and beyond. Our first priority in this area is the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which is targeted to complete the 
scheduled economic integration in 2015. In this connection, Thailand has put forth efforts to 
implement all measures under the AEC Blueprint. As for the next steps, Thailand and other ASEAN member States are looking forward to further deepening and broadening the ASEAN economic integration, a new AEC Blueprint for which has now been developed for the period of 2016-2025. 
2.10.  Recently, Thailand welcomed the entry into  force of the Thailand-Chile Free Trade 
Agreement on 5 November 2015. The long-awaited agreement is well-received by the private sector, and a substantial increase in trade between the two countries is widely expected. We are 
also expecting an enhanced trade relation of th e two regions resulting from this Agreement which 
serves as a bridge linking ASEAN and South America. 
2.11.  In this trade policy review, Thailand rece ived more than 400 questions from 20 Members 
and we thank them for their interests and our agencies have tried our best to respond to those 
questions in writing. At present, we would like to discuss some key areas which arise from the advanced written questions. 
2.12.  With regard to the Paddy Pledging Scheme, which is of interest to many Members, we would 
like to reinstate that the Scheme has been terminated since February 2014. Currently, the 
Government has looked into more sustainable programmes to support our low-income resource-poor farmers. Regarding the release of our rice  stock, the Government has taken the thorough 
steps to release the stock according to the market mechanism. 
2.13.  On telecommunications, the recent success of the first 4G auction, which was held earlier 
this month, shows a promising sign for the future of Thailand's mobile broadband infrastructure 
and signifies a step forward in achieving the Govern ment's goal of a digital economy. It is hoped 
that the next auction for two more licenses of 900 MHz frequency, expected next month, will meet 
with equal success.  
2.14.  As emphasized in our report, Thailand has continued its efforts in enhancing the efficiency 
and effectiveness of the national IP regime. On  5 February 2015, three recently amended IP 
legislations were published in the Royal Gazette namely: (1) the Copyright Act to promote dissemination of content online while protecting the interests of right holders by introducing the 
protection of Rights Management Information, Technological Protection Measures and ISP's liability 
limitation, it became effective on 4 August 2015; (2) the Copyright Act, which has been effective since 6 April 2015, criminalize unauthorized camcording in cinemas; and (3) the Trade Secret Act, 
which has been effective since 6 February 2015, restructures the Trade Secret Committee and 
modifies penalty provisions. Furthermore, law en forcement agencies have taken steps to suppress 
IPR infringement focusing on notorious markets and large-scale infringers.  
2.15.  To this end, let me assure you that the current Government has been working diligently and 
put all its best efforts to restore stability under the key principle of transparency as well as to 
undertake reforms aimed at strengthening the democracy and economy of the country. We have been proceeding according to our three-phased roadmap, which are reconciliation, reforms, and 
reinvigoration of democratic institutions.  
2.16.  At present, Thailand is in the process of drafting the new Constitution, which is the second 
phase of the roadmap. After finalizing the new draf t Constitution, the National Election is expected 
to take place in early 2017. In the meantime, the current Government also aims to build a solid 
path towards a sustainable and functioning democracy for subsequence government, with good governance, anti-corruption, and accountability, as our main goals. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  2.17.  My delegation is looking forward to the prod uctive exchanges among Members during this 
two-day meeting. With regards to advance written questions, we have submitted the first batch of answers yesterday. Thank you for the floor. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT 
3.1.  I wish to join in extending a warm welcome to Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Deputy 
Director-General of the Department of Trade Negotiations, and her delegation to Thailand seventh Trade Policy Review. I also extend a special welc ome to the new PR of Thailand, H.E. Boonyarit 
Kalayanamit, who has arrived just in time for this important review. 
3.2.  The TPR process is at the heart of the monitoring and surveillance function of the Multilateral 
Trading System (MTS) and its value to all Members is built into the process and substance of the 
Peer Review. The Review prompts a deep and wide  self-assessment of trade policy developments 
and performance.  
3.3.  It is with an appreciation for this invaluable contribution of the TPR process that I approach 
my contribution as discussant today.  
3.4.  With an area of 513,000 square kilometres and a population of over 67 million, Thailand is 
the 20th most populous country in the world. It has been a Member of the GATT since November 1982 and the WTO since the Organization’s inception in January 1995. This is consistent 
with the important role that trade has played and continues to play in the Thai economy with a 
trade to GDP ratio of 131.8%.  
3.5.  Thailand’s acknowledged strong trade and economic  fundamentals have proven to be decisive 
assets in the face of the internal and external shocks with which it has had to contend since our 
last review. With some fluctuations, Thailand has maintained overall positive economic growth in the face of significant challenges over this period and has kept inflation and unemployment levels in impressively low single digits. In addition, it has kept its debt to GDP ratio in check at 46% of 
GDP in 2014. 
3.6.  Since Thailand’s last review in 2011, there have been many important and noteworthy 
developments. At the political level we have seen the establishment of an interim Government and 
a move to develop a new Constitution and to implement the roadmap for reconciliation, reform 
and strengthening of democracy outlined by th e Administration. These wide-ranging and far 
reaching efforts will, of course, derive their ultimate validation within the domestic context. 
However, in the context of our review, the steps be ing taken to promote stability and predictability 
in the trade and economic sphere are of particular importance. 
3.7.  Thailand has also weathered significant shocks including the impact of natural disasters, in 
particular the impact of the floods of 2011 and the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 
2011 which had a direct and significant impact on Th ailand’s sourcing of car industry supplies as 
well as intermediate and capital goods.  
Economy 
3.8.  The openness of the Thai economy to international trade continued to be reflected by its high 
trade to GDP ratio. Consistent with its relatively open economy, Thailand has maintained its managed-float exchange rate system. A current account deficit that emerged in the middle of the 
period in review has been returned to a surplu s position. Of course, as a net fuel importing 
country, Thailand would have taken advantage of the dividend of lowered oil prices.  
3.9.  It is noteworthy that the Government of Thailand is moving to stimulate and enhance 
economic prospects through focused spending of capital budget resources, undertaking necessary 
infrastructure projects and taking steps to promote investments. The Government is currently 
considering reforms in areas such as taxation, competition policy, transport infrastructure, management of state enterprises, and the promotion of innovation and industries in high 
value-added sectors aimed at enhancing growth rates and competitiveness. In addition, since 
April 2013, the Bank of Thailand has gradually cut its interest rate from 2.75% to 1.5% and government spending on infrastructural investment has increased to facilitate economic recovery. 
These measures signal a willingness on the part of the Thai Government to undertake a calibrated 
mix of measures to address economic challenges and promote sustainable development in the near and medium term. It would be interesting to hear from the delegation, the preliminary assessment of the impact of these monetary and fiscal stimuli measures. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  Trade Policy 
3.10.  Thailand’s trade openness and strong integratio n into the system of Global Trade is evident 
in the high trade to GDP ratio.  
3.11.  The use of tariff measures remains one of Thailand's main trade policy instruments, and a 
relatively significant source of tax revenue. Agri cultural products (34.7%) continued to have a 
higher average MFN tariff rate than Non-agricultural  products (10.1%). Of note is that some 41% 
of applied MFN tariff rates are currently in the zero to 5% range. The fact that as of 2011 Thailand 
had bound 73.6% of its tariff lines offers a degree of predictability to their tariff structure.  
3.12.  Thailand’s average applied MFN tariff rate rose from 11.2% in 2011 to 13.4% in 2014 due 
mainly, as our Chair has signalled, to changes relating to the introduction of the HS2012 tariff nomenclature which resulted in the addition of 1,258 more tariff lines. In the light of the outcome 
of these changes it would be interesting to hear of any proposed steps to achieve an overall 
reduction in average tariff rates through other measures.  
3.13.  Thailand has bilateral RTAs with Australia; New Zealand, Japan and one with Chile. 
Thailand’s active engagement in ASEAN would appear  to be at the heart of its Trade Policy. Trade 
with ASEAN represents 21.6% of Thailand’s extern al trade. Furthermore, ASEAN is the fulcrum for 
important trade arrangements with key partners including FTAs with India, Japan, China and 
Korea. In addition, Thailand is engaged in negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic 
Partnership Agreement amongst ASEAN and several Asian economies. Thailand’s “graduation” from U.S., EU and Turkish GSP preference arrangem ents as well as the implications of the TPP 
concluded with the participation of a number of close regional economies will certainly be 
important subjects of attention as we look at how Thailand continues to adapt its trade policy in 
the face of new regional and global developmen ts. No doubt the Membership would like to be 
enlightened on these developments and what th ey have meant for Thai exporters and what 
responsive measures are being undertaken by the Thai Government. 
3.14.  At the global level, Thailand has reaffirmed its support for negotiations towards outcomes 
under the DDA and committed to early ratification of the TFA which it has now done. It has signed 
on as an observer to the Committee of the GPA. However, it is noted that its government 
procurement policy still maintains certain domestic supplier privileges. It would be important to hear from the Thai delegation the outlook for ma intenance or adjustment of these preferences.  
3.15.  In the area of investment, Thailand continues to attract relatively high levels of FDI and 
importantly is also a substantial source for outward investment particularly in ASEAN. 
Nevertheless, the limitations on foreign investment that remain in place for certain subsectors may warrant further reflection, particularly in the overall context of reform that is underway in other 
areas of economic policy. 
Agriculture 3.16.  Agriculture, forestry and fisheries remain an important pillar of the Thai economy. In 2014, 
the sector contributed 10.5% to GDP and accounted for 33.4% of employment. Thailand is a major 
global producer and exporter of various agricu ltural products and processed foods, and it 
maintains a trade surplus in these areas. In the WTO, it is a member of the Cairns Group and is an active and important player in the WTO agriculture agenda. 
3.17.  Rice production in Thailand represents a significant portion of the Thai economy and labour 
force. It has the fifth largest amount of land under rice cultivation in the world and is the world's second largest exporter of rice. While it is noted that price support to the rice sector has continued 
to be subject to frequent policy changes, with complexities not dissimilar to those seen in highly 
sensitive agricultural sectors elsewhere. In this context, it is important to recognize the impact of the decision by the Government of Thailand in  February 2014 to remove the paddy-pledging 
scheme which provided price support to domestic rice farmers. It would be important to hear what 
measures might be deployed in light of the removal of this scheme. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  Manufacturing and industrial Policy 
3.18.  In 2014, manufacturing accounted for 27.7% of GDP and its share in total employment was 
16.8%. Key manufacturing sub-sectors include: food products and beverages; motor vehicles; chemicals and chemical products, electronics, rubber and rubber products; and refined petroleum 
products.  
3.19.  Thailand is widely regarded as a country that is well integrated into some global value 
chains. Its policies have clearly prioritized industrialization that would complement the many 
opportunities presented by the natural endowments and strong agricultural capacity evident in the 
Thai economy. The National Industrial Development Master Plan that is guiding Thailand’s push in 
this area is aimed at achieving balanced, innova tive and sustainable industrial development. The 
focus on value addition in areas of natural adva ntage such as agro processing and downstream 
and upstream production in sectors such as rubber, support for SMEs (especially with respect to 
their increased capacity for export involvemen t) and promotion of the Digital Economy are 
important elements in the policy. It would be interesting to see how these measures align with the 
reforms to the incentives structure and the development of SEZs now underway as well as the 
extent to which they are expected to contribute to the further diversification of production and promote enhanced competitiveness including in areas of technological innovation. 
Services and competitiveness 
3.20.  Services account for a significant part of the Thai economy. In 2014, its share in GDP has 
was 52% and its share in total employment was 43%. The State maintains a significant presence in banking, telecommunications and transportation through state-owned enterprises and equity 
shares. 
3.21.  According to World Bank Doing Business data, in  terms of trade across borders, Thailand 
was ranked 55th out of 189 economies in 2015 down from being ranked 20th in 2013. It is 
assumed that the reforms being contemplated or undertaken including those to simplify tax 
structures and improve customs procedures will no doubt contribute to the improvement of the 
doing business environment and should restore its ranking to a higher level. It would be important 
to hear of the structural reform measures that have been undertaken during the review period and 
any assessment of their impact on competitiveness and productivity. 
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) 3.22.  Thailand has signalled that intellectual property rights are a key factor for creating value 
added for goods and services and strengthening its competitive potential. It has been a member of 
the World Intellectual Property Organization (W IPO) since 1989 and is party to three of its 
twenty-six administered treaties, namely the Bern e Convention for the Protection of Literary and 
Artistic Works (since 1931), the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (since 
2008) and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (since 2009).  
3.23.  Also relevant to this and the wider trade and economic agenda is the matter of Intellectual 
Property Rights protection. The Government of Thailand’s commitment to push forward all IP laws 
now in the legislative process is noteworthy. Thailand’s IP agenda will, of course, require continued efforts to address awareness of and enforcement of  IP regimes and IP rights at the operational 
level. These efforts will be paid close attention by members, who would be interested in the factors 
that have constrained Thailand in its effort to pass IP legislation and become a party to other 
WIPO treaties  
3.24.  Finally, with respect to the state of play in th e global response to Thailand’s trade policies 
and practices, it is noteworthy that as of the present there are no disputes involving Thailand as a 
party. 
Outlook 
3.25.  With a modest but meaningful level of GDP gr owth projected for the near term - the trade 
and economic outlook for Thailand appears positive. While the reform agenda is clearly challenging, the steps already taken including, for example, the dismantl ing of the price scheme WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  for rice suggest a readiness on the part of the Government of Thailand to address all aspects of 
the agenda including the most difficult, in a de termined manner. The fact that these are to be 
undertaken with strong fundamentals that includ e the impressive figure of 1% unemployment and 
2% inflation are encouraging. 
3.26.  Despite the myriad of internal and external sh ocks faced during the review period, Thailand 
has been successful in maintaining economic growth on the basis of its solid economic fundamentals. Thailand's commitment to economic integration and its general openness to 
international trade have been key ingredients of its success to date. I am sure that this will 
continue.  
3.27.  I am confident that our deliberations today will bring deeper understanding of Thailand’s 
efforts to promote economic growth while honouring its commitments in the MTS. I wish for 
Thailand a successful TPR. I thank you. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS 
NORWAY 4.1.  Thailand remains a highly competitive economy, but has had a rather slow recovery due to 
both external and internal shocks since the last review in 2011. The Thai economy has 
nevertheless shown resilience, and growth prospects for 2015 and 2016 are good. Several 
downside risks still exist however, such as lower domestic spending, limited production capability in high technology, political instability, global shocks as the economy is very open, an ageing 
population and macro-economic stabilization. Structural reforms to enhance productivity would be 
a good way to meet these challenges in the future.  
4.2.  During the review period, income inequality has been reduced and human development 
performance has improved due to good efforts. We believe it is important to continue the process 
of integrating the informal sector into the formal  sector to enhance economic growth and expand 
the tax basis for the country in the longer run. Th is will contribute to meeting both economic and 
welfare goals. 
4.3.  The openness of the Thai economy to international trade, and its integration into the world 
economy continued to be reflected by the high rati o of its trade in goods and services to GDP that 
stood at 131.8% in 2014. International trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) trends reflect the 
continued importance of Asia as Thailand's main  regional market and supplier, but other markets 
are of increasing importance. This underpins Thailand`s stakes in a well-functioning multilateral trading system. Furthermore, there are good reasons to believe that Thailand could benefit from taking part in the ongoing negotiations on the Environmental Goods Agreement. 
4.4.  On the Doing business ranking Thailand is doin g better than the average of Asian and upper 
middle-income countries in the areas of inform ation availability, involvement of the trade 
community, appeal procedures, harmonization and simplification of documents, automation, 
streamlining of procedures, external border agency  co-operation, governance and impartiality. The 
Stock Exchange of Thailand, for example, is cons idered a regulated and recognised marketplace, 
and it is a member of the World Federation of Exchanges. At the same time, there is room for 
improvement in the area of transparency, public accountability and foreign ownership to enhance 
the prospects for growth.  
4.5.  Norway has a substantial interest as an investor in Thailand, where the Norwegian Pension 
Fund Global has invested approximately three bn. USD. From a regulatory perspective, the Fund 
has not experienced significant issues in the Thai market.  
4.6.  The Foreign Business Act prescribes lists of industries in which foreign shareholding is capped 
at 49%, although there are certain industries where the threshold is lower such as 25%. Total 
foreign investor ownership may exceed these thresholds, but then a licence is required. 
Additionally, individual shareholdings of 10% or more in, for instance, banks and investment firms, trigger prior approval requirements. It is difficul t for us to assess the political rationale behind 
these restrictions. From a purely investment perspective, a less restrictive regime may have a 
positive impact over time. 
4.7.  Aside from the regulatory aspects, the general risk climate is relevant for any investor in the 
Thai market. We have referred to country index da ta for guidance. In order to create an even 
better climate for investors there are certain risk factors to focus on, such as corruption, labour 
rights, judicial independence and human rights.  
4.8.  On taxation, the situation is relatively stable with respect to investments in Thailand, both 
from a technical and a practical point of view.  The tax regime for foreign investors in Thailand is 
sufficiently clear and precise, and the behaviour of the tax authorities and relevant intermediaries is consistent and predictable. The Pension Fund Global, however, classifies Thailand’s tax 
uncertainty risk level as medium since the tax authorities generally only look to the legal rather 
than the beneficial owner of publically listed securities to determine the relevant tax treatment for an investor.  WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  4.9.  Finally, let me add that we look forward to studying the responses to the written questions 
we have submitted prior to this meeting. 
COLOMBIA 4.10.  Thailand experienced positive albeit moderate  GDP growth during the period under review. 
Although there was a notable increase to 7.3% in 2012, from then on the global economic 
downturn, natural disasters and disruptions in th e Thai industry's supply chains prevented the 
country from posting better performance. It is  expected that the economy, bolstered by 
government stimulus measures and domestic demand , will experience rapid recovery, with 3% 4% 
growth forecast for the coming years. 
4.11.  Some of the measures implemented by the Th ai Government under its Development Plan 
have yielded positive results in terms of human development and reducing inequalities, along with 
relatively low unemployment figures. 
4.12.  We note that internal factors such as policy sl ippages, limited production capability and lack 
of public infrastructure, as well as external factors including slow growth in its trading partner 
economies, currency depreciation and the plunge in global commodity prices will be the challenges 
that the Government will have to tackle in steering its policies. 
4.13.  As regards foreign trade, the openness of the Thai economy has led to a growing share of 
trade in goods and services in GDP. The country 's positive trade balance has been marked by 
rising foreign sales of transport equipment and electrical machinery to ASEAN and APEC countries, whereas there has been a decline in the share of ag ricultural exports, which are vital for Thailand's 
external trade. 
4.14.  As in other ASEAN countries, foreign investment has increased, particularly in 
manufacturing. A rising cost base, especially for labour, and political instability have prevented more extensive growth, as was the case in 2014. Public infrastructure projects and investment 
incentive schemes are expected to yield promising results in the near term. 
4.15.  With respect to trade facilitation, the Authorized Economic Operator Programme, the single 
window for foreign trade and increased international cooperation and exchange of customs 
information have reduced both the times and the costs associated with foreign trade operations. 
4.16.  We note from the Secretariat report that there are still issues concerning trade policy 
instruments that call for our attention in this review, such as: 
4.17.  non ad valorem rates that conceal relatively high applied tariff rates, despite the 
Government's efforts to reduce tariffs  and simplify the tariff structure; 
 the persistence of high export taxes on commodi ties such as wood and hides, which distort 
competition; 
 programmes to support and protect the alcoho lic beverage and automobile sectors, for 
example, as well as energy subsidy and rice  support schemes, which have been the subject 
of recent reform; 
 effective enforcement of intellectual property rights; and 
 technical standards that have given rise to specific trade concerns at the WTO, as regards 
the labelling of alcoholic beverages, the TIS for ceramic tiles, and the importation of new pneumatic tyres of rubber. 
4.18.  We urge the Thai Government to bring its outstanding notifications up to date, particularly 
those concerning domestic support for agriculture, and to continue participating actively in exercises in transparency, which are an important pillar of work within the WTO. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  4.19.  We are confident that Thailand's domestic policy mix, increased government investment and 
appropriate macroeconomic measures will bring the country back on track to growth and boost its 
participation in international trade. 
AUSTRALIA 
4.20.  Australia and Thailand have a long history of friendship and cooperation. Our bilateral 
relationship is broad and deep, with extensive cooperation in many areas including trade, investment, education, tourism and security. We both have a strong commitment to economic 
cooperation through multilateral forums such as the World Trade Organization, the Cairns Group, 
the East Asia Summit, APEC and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. This shared commitment has promoted prosperity and economic integration in our region. 
4.21.  Thailand is Australia's seventh largest merchandise trading partner and ninth largest trading 
partner overall. Our economic relationship is underpinned by the Thailand-Australia Free Trade 
Agreement, or TAFTA, which was Thailand's first comprehensive FTA. TAFTA celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Bilateral trade has more th an double since TAFTA came into effect, with 
two-way goods and services trade now worth approximately AUD19 billion. Investment has also 
continued to grow. Thailand is an increasingly important investor in Australia, particularly in the agribusiness, resources and tourism sectors, and Australian businesses are expanding their 
investment in Thailand. 
4.22.  Australia is strongly committed to working with Thailand to boost bilateral trade and 
investment even further by updating TAFTA so that  it reflects contemporary economic conditions 
and better supports our businesses into the future. In March and June this year, the TAFTA Market 
Access Implementing Committee met to look at ways to modernize the Agreement, including by 
expanding its coverage of services. We look forwar d to making progress on mutually beneficial and 
commercially meaningful outcomes following further discussions in 2016. 
4.23.  Trade and investment liberalization, together with a pro-business regulatory environment, 
have and will continue to play a key role in ensuing sustained strong growth and poverty reduction in Thailand. We encourage Thailand to continue economic and trade policy reform, which will pave 
the way for benefits flowing from productivity gains, increased competitiveness and further 
integration, including under the ASEAN Economic Community and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. 
4.24.  The Secretariat's report notes that long-awaited reforms are planned in areas such as tax 
policy, competition policy, transport infrastructure, management of state enterprises, and 
promotion of innovation and industries in high value-added sectors. These structural reforms will spur productivity growth in Thailand and improve its international competitiveness. 
4.25.  Easing restrictions on investment in sectors and business activities where foreign ownership 
is restricted would promote investment and further stimulate Thailand's economy. Thailand has maintained a liberal foreign investment regime in manufacturing, resulting in significant levels of 
foreign investment. Thailand has built world-standard industries in automotive manufacturing, 
electronics, and petrochemicals, and continues to move up the value chain to higher-end manufacturing. 
4.26.  However, the Secretariat's report highlights the complex regulatory framework governing 
the services sector, including foreign ownership restrictions. Australia has strong interests in 
expanding business links in the Thai services sector, including in financial services, telecommunications, transport and logistics, education, professional services, construction, 
services incidental to mining, environmental services and business mobility. Thailand has recently 
made good progress in gradually opening up some services sectors such as banking. We encourage Thailand to continue undertaking refo rms to increase competition, productivity and 
innovation in key services sector. 
4.27.  As one of the world's leading exporters of agri cultural products, particularly of rice and 
rubber, Thailand has much to gain from policies which promote innovation and efficiency. Australia 
appreciates Thailand's efforts to drive agricultural reform, including as a member of the Cairns 
Group. Thailand's globally competitive agricult ure sector has benefitted greatly from the open WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  global trading environment. Nevertheless, Thailand's agriculture sector still remains highly 
protected, with special agricultural safeguards, tariffs, TRQs, high levels of domestic support 
spending and many other behind-the-border barriers.  To reflect and enhance Thailand's efficiency 
and success in this sector and to demonstrate Thailand's commitment to free and open trade and 
investment, we urge Thailand to commit to early action to eliminate the many protective measures 
still in place. 
4.28.  We value our excellent working relationship with Thailand in the WTO and look forward to 
working with Thailand to deliver credible results at the 10th Ministerial Conference in Nairobi. 
Australia welcomes Thailand's ratification of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation (ATF) in October this year. We share Thailand's support for the ATF which will help deliver practical measures to strengthen global trade and economic growth, bringing substantial development and 
job creation benefits, and we urge all WTO Members to take early action to accept the ATF. 
4.29.  Reflecting the closeness of the economic part nership between our two countries, Australia 
asked Thailand many questions on a range of sectors and we would like to thank Thailand for its 
responses. 
MEXICO 4.30.  Thailand and Mexico are united by strong ties of friendship and cooperation in many areas, 
including in the economic and trade spheres. Thailand is a very important trading partner for 
Mexico. In the period 2001 to 2014, Thailand rose from 10th to 8th position among our major export markets in Asia, and our bilateral trade increased by 589%. 
4.31.  We are pleased to note that since the previous review of its trade policies, Thailand has 
succeeded in maintaining macroeconomic and macro financial stability. We also note that it has 
proceeded with a large number of reforms and has stepped up its trade and investment relations with non traditional partners. All of this has been the subject of eloquent comment by the 
distinguished head of the Thai delegation that is with us today, to whom we extend a very warm 
welcome, and by our distinguished discussant, Ambassador Wayne McCook. 
4.32.  As regards trade policy, we commend Thailand for its achievements during the period under 
review, in particular the implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator Programme and its 
extension to importers, and its positive performance in a number of areas relating to trade facilitation, in which the OECD ranks the country  above the average of Asian upper middle income 
countries. Ambassador Neple of Norway has referred to all the measures that Thailand has 
implemented in this connection, such as information availability, harmonization and simplification 
of documents, automation, and so forth. Every one of these measures helps to build a stronger environment conducive to reducing transaction costs and more effective integration of the country 
in international trade. 
4.33.  Nonetheless, as indicated in the Secretariat report, for which we express our appreciation, 
there is still work to be done. Thailand's performance was fairly poor according to some trade 
facilitation indicators, and concerns remain as regards, inter alia, intellectual property, technical 
barriers to trade and the continuing complexity of the tax system for businesses, while complicated systems are still in place for the allocation of tariff quotas. 
4.34.  Although Thailand clearly succeeded in reducing the number of alternate duties, it has made 
little progress in terms of specific duties, and the number of ad valorem rates has risen from 31 to 
42 compared to the previous review. There have also been tariff rate increases for 600 tariff lines as a result of the application of the HS2012 nomenclature, and the transposition of binding 
commitments to HS2012 is not yet complete, which means that there is uncertainty regarding the 
current status of Thailand's bindings, which excluded more than 25% of tariff lines at the time of the previous review. 
4.35.  As of 2011, Thailand began having recourse to safeguard measures and has applied them 
three times since then. We urge it to avoid the use of safeguards, which must be a measure of last resort and which have an impact on trade, investment, production and employment. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  4.36.  We also consider it important that Thaila nd should improve enforcement of the Trade 
Competition Act through actions aimed at promoting transparency, reducing the scope for discretion and achieving greater efficiency in the operation of the Competition Commission. 
4.37.  Although Thailand now offers expanded opportunities for participation in telecommunications 
and banking services, we believe that further ef forts are necessary to liberalize other service 
sectors and to reduce restrictions on foreign direct investment, especially in light of the fact that no progress is being made on the privatization front or in terms of future plans in the area of 
services. 
4.38.  Despite the considerable challenges ahead, we ha ve every confidence in Thailand's ability to 
progress towards better integration in the global market and to create even more favourable conditions, because, as I have said, it has made significant strides in increasing its participation in 
GVCs. We welcome Thailand's recent ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the 
extensive coverage of its Category A commitments, which will undoubtedly help Thailand in addressing many of the challenges facing it both at home and abroad and in becoming a more 
competitive economy. Lastly, we thank Thailand for its replies to my delegation's questions and 
wish the distinguished delegation of Thailand every success in this review. 
CHINA 
4.39.  During the review period, Thailand's economy has triumphed over several endogenous and 
exogenous challenges, and maintained stability and resilience, thanks to its strong fundamentals and appropriate policy combination. With a view to improving its international competitiveness and enhancing growth, structural reform measures were undertaken or under consideration. While 
remaining a major agricultural producer and exporter, Thailand’s services sector has continued to 
grow. At the same time, increased inflow FDI in its manufacturing sector has reflected the continuous attractiveness of Thailand as an investment destination. China commends the 
development in Thailand’s commercial cooperation with its regional partners, as indicated in the 
Secretariat report that “the intensification of Thailand’s trade and investment ties with its neighbouring ASEAN members and China is notice able”. China also welcomes the construction 
plans of Thailand, as introduced in the report, for mass rapid transit rail lines in Bangkok and 
double-tracking rail lines across the county, and believes they will help build Thailand into a 
regional transportation hub in ASEAN and promote its tourism and agricultural export. 
4.40.  At the same time, certain concerns regarding Thailand’s policies remain, as the Secretariat 
report has pointed out. For instance, the tariff structure remains complicated, the widespread use 
of price control continues, and the distortions re lated to government expenditure have deepened. 
We encourage Thailand to take further steps to address these issues to improve its business 
environment and to meet its economic objectives.  
4.41.  On the bilateral front, we are very pleased with the traditional friendship and the strong, 
enduring and mutually beneficial trade and commercial ties between Thailand and China. During 
the review period, China has become Thailand’s largest trading partner and export destination. 
Meanwhile, Thailand is among one of China’s top trading partners in ASEAN. In 2014, bilateral 
trade reached US$72.67 billion according to China’s statistics, two-way investment also flourished. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the esta blishment of diplomatic relations between our two 
countries. Thailand-China economic cooperation has ushered into a new stage featuring more 
comprehensive, in-depth and rapid development. And we are both working hard to make out relationship more diversified. 
4.42.  On the multilateral front, Thailand is a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system 
and an active participant in the DDA negotiations. China highly commends the granting by Thailand, as a developing member, of Duty Free Quota Free treatment to LDCs, which provides 
preferential market access for them. China also no ted that Thailand has notified its Category A 
provisions and we commend its early TFA ratification. We believe that all Members including Thailand expect to see significant and meanin gful outcome achieved at the upcoming 10th 
Ministerial Conference, as well as a development-oriented, balanced and successful conclusion of 
the DDA achieved in the future.   WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  4.43.  We thank Thailand for the answers to our wr itten questions, which we will examine with 
great interest. 
CANADA 4.44.  Canada commends Thailand for the continued openness of its economy to international 
trade. Canada and Thailand enjoy a strong trade relationship: Thailand is Canada's largest 
merchandise trading partner in ASEAN and in 2014, Canada's bilateral merchandise trade with Thailand was $3.6 billion. Indeed, as both the Secretariat and the Government reports make clear, 
Thailand is an important producer and consumer in the ASEAN region, and benefits greatly from 
this openness, as it will from enhanced regional integration. 
4.45.  Government efforts to improve infrastructure, focus on a "digital economy" and move 
manufacturing capacity up the value chain are important policy decisions that with appropriate 
follow-through, will allow Thailand to maintain its economic competitiveness and strengthen the 
basis for expanded economic cooperation. 
4.46.  Despite this commitment to modernization and reform, the period since the last review has 
been one where political issues have been prominent. This appears to have led to investor caution 
and a slowing of new investment. Indeed, I regret to confirm that Canadian investment has steadily declined in the light of the climate of uncertainty. 
4.47.  Permit me, however, to focus in more detail on five areas where reform or improvement 
could yield concrete benefits for Thailand. 
4.48.  First, certain TBT issues continue to impose undue barriers to trade. Canada shares the 
concerns identified by other member States and highlighted in the Secretariat's report about a new 
law restricting the use of certain images and terminology that can be used on alcoholic beverage 
labels. It is Canada's view that the regulation is  more trade restrictive than necessary to meet the 
stated objective, creates uncertainty for exporters, and provides an inadequate transition period 
for importers to adapt to the new rules. While we recognize and support Thailand's right to 
implement regulations that aim to protect consumer health and safety, the lack of clarity over the 
restrictions or scientific evidence supporting their efficacy should be addressed. I would therefore 
encourage Thailand to make greater use of international standards for TBT measures and to 
improve transparency in their implementation. 
4.49.  Secondly, despite efforts to promote the liberalization of the services sector, again as noted 
in the Secretariat's report, Thailand continues to limit the rights of foreigners to undertake certain 
business activities in Thailand. These activities include finance, insurance, real estate and 
professional services for which greater openness to investment and competition could help to invigorate these sectors. 
4.50.  Thirdly, the complexity of Thailand's tariff structure imposes an unnecessary burden on 
traders. For example, ad valorem  tariffs, specific duties and compound tariffs charged at various 
rates on different products have the potential to create confusion in addition to distorting trade. 
Further, export duties have not yet changed since the last review, imposing an additional 
distorting factor on competition. Efforts to rationalize the tariff regime would be welcome by WTO Members and many Thai businesses alike. 
4.51.  Fourthly, as noted in the Secretariat report, Thailand has taken steps to address pervasive 
corruption, including the strengthening of anti-corruption laws and a public focus on the issue by 
the Government. While efforts to tackle the problem are necessary, the country continues to fare poorly on international corruption indexes. We encourage Thailand to pursue concrete measures to 
address corruption with a view to improving conf idence for those seeking to do business in the 
country. 
4.52.  Finally, Thailand's participation in the ongoing plurilateral negotiations to expand the WTO 
information Technology Agreement (ITA) is a clear indication of its openness to liberalizing trade 
and of its commitment to establishing an attractive environment for foreign investment. Canada encourages Thailand to adopt an ambitious approach in the negotiations so that its producers and consumers may realize the initiative's benefits as soon as possible. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  4.53.  Particularly as the country confronts both internal and external challenges to its economy, I 
trust the Thai authorities will consider these ex changes with other WTO Members useful. While we 
have identified a number of areas of concern, we also recognize Thailand's considerable efforts to upgrade its innovation capacity and to build a foundation for future growth. I look forward to your 
responses to Canada's questions and wish you all the best for a successful review. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
4.54.  Since the last review in 2011, Thailand was u pgraded by the World Bank to an upper-middle 
income country. This upgrade was the outcome of Thailand's strong fundamentals and appropriate 
policy mix that had helped maintaining macro-financial stability and ensured the resilience of its economy despite several endogenous and exogenous challenges. Trade played a big role in this 
strong performance. 
4.55.  Yet, Thailand seems to be faced now with the typical challenges of an upper-middle income 
country and for Thailand to sustain its growth and avoid the middle income trap, it is important to pay attention to raising its productivity and further enhance its economic potential through long 
term reforms to improve its overall investment environment. 
4.56.  The EU welcomes that the Government’s top policy priority is to boost public investment, 
which - combined with stronger exports – is ex pected to help real GDP growth to gradually 
recover. In this respect, the EU appreciates that a series of reforms are currently under 
consideration by the Government and looks with a particular interest to the measures that will be implemented to further open foreign trade and inve stment. The EU is fully aware that the reforms 
and measures are not easy to push through, but we can only encourage Thailand to pursue the 
work undertaken. 
4.57.  The EU is an important trade partner of Thailand both bilaterally and regionally in the 
context of ASEAN. Trade between the EU and Thai land amounted to approximately €31 billion in 
2014. The same year, exports from Thailand to th e EU totalled some €18.5 billion, making the EU 
Thailand's third largest export market. The EU is also Thailand’s third overall trade partner. 
4.58.  Regionally, Thailand - as member of ASEAN - is engaged in a regional economic integration 
agenda and Thailand is playing an important role in this process. We trust that Thailand will 
continue to pull its full weight in the region which has arrived at the critical juncture of the realization of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC ) by end 2015. As a strong believer in regional 
integration, the EU supports and encourages fu ll implementation of these regional integration 
processes, including the adoption of regional ASEAN policies to remove current obstacles and 
improve trade facilitation across the region. 
4.59.  Despite these positive aspects, the EU would like to highlight some issues that also appear 
in our advance written questions. 
4.60.  First of all, Thailand's investment policy, and the many impediments investors are facing. In 
particular, despite the fact that Thailand's services sector has continued to grow, there have been 
no major changes to the regulatory and institutional framework governing investment over the 
review period. While licensing requirements have been simplified in certain sectors, the horizontal restrictions for foreign investment in the service sector such as the 49% foreign equity cap (notably in the banking, insurance and telecom sectors) do not attract potential investors and is 
not conducive to make of Thailand a hub in the region for trade in services. 
4.61.  Secondly, let me mention the tax system and labelling requirements. Despite some 
adjustment during the review period, we are notably concerned about the continuous discretionary 
excise taxes on alcoholic beverages, but also on automobiles. Equally in the area of alcoholic 
beverages, labelling rules are burdensome and co stly. Therefore, the EU calls on Thailand to 
review and simplify its tax structure, especially on  excise duties as well as to consider less trade 
restrictive labelling requirements. 
4.62.  Thirdly, the EU has concerns on several aspects related to SPS import requirements. The 
current import application procedure of Thailand is considered burdensome and requires a re-audit every two years. In addition to the requirement of a health certificate, Thailand maintains a WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  system of import permits which is having a trade restrictive effect. Moreover, Thailand should 
follow international standards and recognise disease- and pest free areas instead of putting country-wide bans in place where regionalisation measures have been implemented. 
4.63.  Fourthly, while we welcome the regular and co nstructive EU-Thailand IPR dialogue, more 
needs to be done towards effective enforcement of intellectual property rights. 
4.64.  The EU is confident that this TPR will help Thailand in reviewing and strengthening its 
policies and enhance its competitiveness. We look forward to receiving the full set of replies to our 
advance questions and wish Thailand a very productive and successful review. 
CHILE 4.65.  Chile and Thailand established diplomatic re lations on 29 October 1962, but Chile did not 
open an embassy in Bangkok until 1981, while Thailand's embassy in Santiago was established in 
1994. Since then, we have shared the same outlook  and principles regarding the most critical 
issues on the international agenda. 
4.66.  As soon as Chile joined APEC in 1994, bilateral relations intensified as deeper ties were 
established in political, economic and trade areas of common interest, especially in international 
forums. 
4.67.  Chile and Thailand have also signed a large number of cooperation agreements in a wide 
range of areas that include science and technology, education and culture, visa waiver and double 
taxation avoidance agreements, and lastly, a cooperation agreement on agriculture and sanitary and phytosanitary matters, in August 2012. 
4.68.  Turning to trade, we clearly share the same outlook on development based on open trade 
and support for free trade. Our relationship in this regard was sealed with the negotiation of a Free 
Trade Agreement, signed in October 2013 during a Presidential visit to Bangkok. We are pleased to announce that the Agreement entered into force on 5 November 2015. 
4.69.  Chile is currently Thailand's third largest trading partner in South America, whilst Thailand 
tops other ASEAN countries as Chile's foremost trading partner, with bilateral trade in excess of US$1 billion in both 2013 and 2014. Our country's ma in exports to Thailand have been copper, 
minerals, cellulose and seafood products. Thailand's leading sales to Chile in 2013 were motor 
vehicles, machinery and plastics. 
4.70.  We hope that our relationship will continue to evolve. Indeed, the Agreement we signed 
grants immediate preferential access for more than 90% of products, without any exceptions. 
Likewise, it contains provisions on rules of origin consistent with those negotiated in our latest 
agreements, as well as provisions on geograph ical indications relevant to both countries. 
4.71.  We submitted various questions on specific topics for this review and thank Thailand for its 
replies, which we will forward to our capital for analysis by our teams in Santiago. 
4.72.  The reports before us prompt us to highlight th e fact that Thailand has maintained a positive 
growth rate in spite of various endogenous an d exogenous challenges. We hope that despite a 
decrease in 2012, monetary and fiscal stimulus measures will help raise growth in 2015 and 2016. 
4.73.  We are also pleased to note that reforms aimed at increasing Thailand's international 
competitiveness are under consideration, which will undoubtedly give a major boost to economic growth and hence to international trade. As regards measures directly affecting imports, we also 
welcome the fact that a series of initiatives are under way to facilitate trade and streamline 
customs procedures. 
4.74.  Lastly, we are interested to note that Thailand is continuing to consider ways to strengthen 
protection of intellectual property rights in orde r to bring them into line with the provisions of 
several international treaties. Mr Chairman, I would like to mention that a few weeks ago, WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  4.75.  some of us had the opportunity to discover the literary and musical work of His Majesty King 
Bhumibol Adulyadej and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, in the context of a WIPO initiative to highlight the importance that Thailand attaches to intellectual property. 
4.76.  We share Thailand's firm commitment to the mu ltilateral trading system. It is therefore 
hardly surprising that many of the Organization's bodies find us working together. We are 
convinced that Thailand will make an important contribution to the success of the forthcoming Ministerial Conference in Nairobi. 
UNITED
 STATES 
4.77.  Thailand is an important partner of the United States. Our relationship dates back to 1833, 
when we concluded our first Treaty of Amity and Commerce. Last year, trade between us reached US$45 billion, supported in part by our GSP programme, of which Thailand is one of the largest 
beneficiaries. Foreign investment has also grow n steadily, with stock of U.S. foreign direct 
investment in Thailand rising to almost US$12 billi on in 2014, nearly a 20% rise over the previous 
year. 
4.78.  While both the Secretariat and the Thai Government reports indicate a slowdown in 
Thailand’s economic growth and export numbers  over the last couple of years, the Thai 
Government report highlights that it is continuing to focus on strengthening the competitiveness of 
its domestic economy and remains committed to regi onal and multilateral trade liberalization. We 
support the Thai government’s commitment to increased economic integration, although we have posed some questions about specific policy issues. 
4.79.  As was the case during Thailand’s last Trade Policy Review, we remain interested in 
Thailand’s plans for further customs reform. The Secretariat’s report notes that, since the last 
review, Thailand has become a signatory to the Revised Kyoto Convention and has also further implemented other customs reforms, including impl ementing a single window, which will facilitate 
trade within ASEAN and with third countries. We also welcome Thailand’s submission of its letter of 
acceptance of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. That said, we continue to have concerns with Thailand’s customs regime, particularly its penalty and reward system, which creates conflicts of 
interest, provides incentives for rent-seeking, and hampers trade. We understand that Thailand is 
moving forward with incremental reforms of this system, and we would appreciate an update from the Thai delegation on the government’s plans in this area. 
4.80.  We also have concerns about aspects of Thailand’s regime for agriculture products. The 
Secretariat’s report notes that Thailand has term inated the Rice Paddy Pledging scheme, but we 
understand that rice stocks are still being sold. We remain concerned by Thailand’s use of SPS and TBT measures to restrict trade. We have posed a number of questions regarding standards on 
ractopamine, requirements for beef and poultry,  food safety inspection fees, and new alcohol 
labelling requirements, and look forward to re ceiving and reviewing Thailand’s responses.  
4.81.  We welcome the efforts by Thai authorities to strengthen elements of its intellectual 
property rights regime, including passing an amendment to the Customs Act that provides Thai 
Customs officers with ex officio authority to suspend and seize illegal goods in transit, as well as copyright law amendments to address unauthorized camcording. As it works to strengthen its IPR framework, we would be interested in hearing about the Thai Government’s plans for 
improvements in other areas, such as the patent  backlog, and in the copyright and enforcement 
areas. We also would be interested in updates on draft legislation and Thailand’s progress in acceding to the Hague Agreement and WIPO Internet Treaties.   
4.82.  On transparency-related issues, we note that Thailand and its trading partners would benefit 
from imp rov e me nts  to curre nt p ractic e s . I t would  be  us e ful to g e t an upd ate  from Thai land  on when it intends to submit notifications on measur es related to agriculture, intellectual property, 
rules of origin, state-owned enterprises, and regi onal trade agreements. We also suggest Thailand 
enhance its efforts to consult with stakehol ders on measures that will affect them. 
4.83.  We very much appreciate the opportunity to participate in this meeting and discuss 
Thailand’s trade and investment policies. We look forward to Thailand’s responses to our questions WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  and to working together to address outstanding i ssues and to deepen our already strong bilateral 
relationship, as well as to work together, here  at the WTO, and in ASEAN, APEC, and other fora. 
JAPAN 4.84.  It is a pleasure for Japan to take part in the TPR meeting for Thailand.  
4.85.  Needless to say, Thailand is one of the most important and closest economic partners for 
Japan in Southeast Asia. In fact, Japan has continued to be Thailand’s largest direct investor, as well as one of its main trading partners.  
4.86.  Our strong ties go beyond economic relations. Japan and Thailand have been developing a 
close cooperative relationship based on our 600-ye ar history of cultural, personal and economic 
exchange. It is our sincere hope to further develop these strong ties between us. 
General matters 
4.87.  The report by the Secretariat notes that Thailand’s economic growth peaked at 7.3% in 
2012, and, after that, slowed to 0.9% in 2014 main ly due to recent political uncertainty, severe 
floods and other external shocks. 
4.88.  In order to address the slowing economy, th e Thai Government has implemented monetary 
and fiscal stimulus measures, including the large infrastructure investment programme, which Japan commends. 
4.89.  According to the report recently published by the Asian Development Bank, thanks to the 
Thai Government’s efforts, together with better prospects for exports and lower fuel costs, the growth rate is expected to bounce back to 3.6% in 2015.  
4.90.  From a long-term perspective, the Thai economy now faces some major challenges. These 
include rapidly increasing labour costs that lead to a “hollowing out of industries,” a rapidly aging 
population, as well as a huge socioeconomic gap among regions.  
4.91.  We all know that Thailand has been successfully developing as an attractive production and 
exporting base, and will definitely continue to play a key role in the vibrant Asian Value Chain. 
However, the rapid hike in labour costs has, to say the least, had a negative impact on Thailand's competitiveness as a production base. If the Thai economy cannot succeed in shifting its industrial 
structure from labour-intensive industries to value-added industries, the “Middle Income Trap” is 
likely to harm the Thai economy. 
4.92.  From that point of view, it is noteworthy that the Thai Board of Investment formulated “the 
New Investment Promotion Policy” last year, and has implemented it since January. Japan 
positively evaluates this policy and expects its successful implementation. 
4.93.  Another big challenge for Thailand is the socioeconomic gap between cities and suburbs 
which has brought about uncertainty on the Thai Economy for years. Japan expects Thailand to 
find effective steps to address this challenge. 
Trade policy WTO 
4.94.   Let me make some comments on the trade policy. 
4.95.   Japan is glad that Thailand ratified the TF Agreement in October. Also, Japan commends 
Thailand for actively participating in a plurilateral negotiation, namely the ITA expansion. Japan looks forward to celebrating the conclusion of this negotiation at MC10 with Thailand and other 
participating members. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  RTAs 
4.96.   With regard to RTAs, Thailand has currently sixteen RTAs in force, including a bilateral 
agreement with Japan and the ASEAN-JAPAN comprehensive EPA.  
4.97.  Besides, Japan and Thailand are now actively conducting the Regional Comprehensive 
Economic Partnership, RCEP, negotiation.  
4.98.  Furthermore, at the last APEC Meeting, Japan was glad to hear Thailand express its strong 
interest in joining the TPP. Japan very much welcomes this. 
4.99.  Japan commends Thailand on its efforts and looks forward to working with Thailand for 
further trade liberalization. Japan also hopes that these RTAs which are fully consistent with the WTO rules will contribute to further enhancing the world trade under the multilateral trading system. 
Point of concern 
4.100.  Before concluding, Japan would like to make some brief comments on specific issues 
related to patents and the TBT. 
4.101.  Japan has been concerned with Thailand’s patent examination backlog for years. We are 
also concerned that the Thai patent act does not provide any patent term extensions or any patent term adjustments to make up for backlogs. We believe that adequate and effective protection for 
intellectual property rights is one of the key elements to promote R&D in Thailand.  
4.102.  Japan hopes that Thailand addresses the problem of backlogs as soon as possible. If it is 
not easy to find a fundamental solution in a short period, we encourage Thailand to consider some kind of temporary approach, such as compensation for delay.  
4.103.  Another issue of our concern is the control on labelling of Alcoholic Beverage in Thailand. 
We have expressed our concern on this issue in  the TBT Committee. Although we understand the 
intention of Thailand to restrict false, exaggera ted or overstating messages on Alcohol beverages, 
the accurate information such as “100% Malt” should be allowed on the label. We also believe that 
the terms such as “Finest”, “Premium”, “Light”, “Low calories” are expressions widely used internationally and should be allowed on the labelling. We would like to request Thailand to 
reconsider the examples listed in the guideline. 
4.104.  I am sure that we can solve these issues with the spirit of cooperation. 
4.105.  In conclusion, I would like to express our strong wish for continued cooperation between 
Thailand and Japan.  
BRUNEI
 DARUSSALAM  ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN 
4.106.  ASEAN would like to commend Thailand’s efforts towards stabilizing its economy, despite 
the many challenges that she has faced in recent years. Thailand is a major contributor to ASEAN’s 
economy, making up 18% of total trade in ASEAN, (worth US$455 billion as of August this year), 
second only to Singapore. Thailand is also the third largest ASEAN destination for investments, with FDI inflows valued at US$11.5 billion in 2014.  
4.107.  In ASEAN, Thailand has played a prominent role in actively working towards achieving an 
ASEAN Community in all the three ASEAN pillars of po litical and security cooperation, socio-cultural 
cooperation, and economic cooperation. As mentioned in Thailand’s Government report, under the economic pillar, ASEAN is accelerating the implementation of it measures under the Blueprint to 
achieve the goals of the ASEAN Economic Community, and as of July 2015, Thailand has 
implemented 93.3% of the prioritized measures, an d implementation of all measures is expected 
to be completed by the end of the year as targ eted. In terms of tariff reduction/elimination, 
approximately 99.8% of Thailand’s total intra-ASEAN tariff lines are already at 0%, with the 
remaining tariff lines at 5%. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  4.108.  ASEAN commends Thailand’s active participation in the multilateral trading system and the 
consistently important role that she has played in the Doha negotiations. We will continue to work closely with Thailand to achieve positive deliver ables ahead of the 10th Ministerial Conference in 
Nairobi, Kenya. 
4.109.  Some of us in ASEAN have submitted written questions to the delegation of Thailand and 
would like to thank Thailand in advance for their written responses. We would also like to thank Ambassador Boonyarit Kalayanamit and his delegation for their constructive engagement with 
delegations here in Geneva. 
SINGAPORE 4.110.  Singapore and Thailand share close and longstanding bilateral ties. This year marks the 
50
th anniversary of our bilateral relations. Strong and stable economic ties have been a key driver 
of our relationship. Singapore was Thailand’s 5th largest trading partner and 2nd largest investor 
last year, with overall trade valued at S$30 billion1. Tourism flows both ways are also robust. We 
have established frameworks to further bilateral economic cooperation, such as the Singapore-
Thailand Enhanced Economic Relationship (STEER) platform. One of the recent successes was the 
revised Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (D TA) signed in June, and we look forward to its 
entry into force as soon as possible. We also look forward to strengthening our air transport 
connectivity with Thailand.  
4.111.  We are encouraged that Thailand has implem ented economic reforms in response to a 
slowing global economy. The Thai economy has proven resilient despite the political situation in the past few years. Thailand’s stimulus measures aimed at driving domestic consumption and 
government spending, as well as the structural reforms kick-started are positive moves. We are 
also encouraged by Thailand’s implementation of measures to fast track investment approvals and 
planning of new industry clusters to promote growth of key sectors in a holistic manner. 
4.112.  Thailand is a key partner for Singapore at ASEAN and other regional economic fora such as 
APEC. This is an important year for ASEAN as we work towards the realisation of the ASEAN 
Economic Community (AEC 2015). We commend Thailand for its active domestic outreach efforts 
on the benefits of AEC 2015. We also hope to co ntinue close collaboration with Thailand towards 
good outcomes for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations.  
4.113.  Singapore and Thailand are also like-minded members at the WTO. We have a shared 
interest in maintaining and strengthening the rules-based multilateral trading system, which 
provides stability and predictability for international trade. We commend Thailand for being a 
progressive and constructive player in the WTO. This was demonstrated through its timely ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (T FA) and its notification of Duty Free Quota Free 
(DFQF) market access for LDCs. We also welcome Thailand’s decision to become an observer to 
the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) and look forward to its accession in the near future. We hope that Thailand will soon also accept the Protocol of Amendment to the TRIPS 
Agreement and consider participation in the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA). 
4.114.  Our delegations in Geneva have always enjo yed very good cooperation and this is no 
different with Ambassador Boonyarit and his team. We thank Thailand for their answers to our questions, and wish the Thai delegation every success in their seventh Trade Policy Review. 
BRAZIL 
4.115.  As most countries, Thailand was affected by the 2008 global economic and financial crisis 
but, with appropriate measures, it has been able to maintain macroeconomic stability and enjoyed 
impressive GDP growth in 2012, even if the pace  of recovery during the period under review 
remained unsteady.  
4.116.  With an outward-oriented economy, trade remains essential for Thailand; total trade flows 
represented more than 130% of the country’s GD P in 2014. Growing flows of foreign investment, 
notably in the manufacturing sector, reinforce the openness of the Thai economy. 
                                               
1 Source: IE Singapore. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  4.117.  Despite Thailand’s indisputable path towards the modernization of its economy and its 
commitment to a more open trade regime, including the reform of its tariff structure and the decrease of its non-ad valorem duties, Brazil notes with regret that the average applied rate for agricultural products is now almost 5% higher than before the reform. We are equally concerned 
with the higher percentage of tariff peaks, most of which affect agricultural goods and contribute 
to further distort trade in this sector.  
4.118.  In domestic support, Brazil points out to the need for more transparency in the 
implementation of domestic programs. This is particularly true in the case of sugar, where recent 
data show an increase in the total Thai production despite the prevailing lower international prices.  
4.119.  Turning to bilateral relations, trade between our countries has remained significant in the 
last years. In 2014, the total flow reached more than US$4 billion, with a surplus in favour of 
Thailand. These figures place Thailand as Brazil’s second most important trading partner among 
ASEAN members, whereas Brazil is Thailand’s main partner in Latin America. 
4.120.  There is room for diversification in the composition of our exports to the Thai market, 
today concentrated in a few basic products, especially soybeans and iron ore. As for our imports, 
Thailand provides mostly automobiles and electrical machineries to the Brazilian market. 
4.121.  We have recently engaged with Thailand to discuss new measures related to its labelling 
regulations for alcoholic beverages. We understand the objective of improving public health; 
however, WTO rules determine that measures of this nature cannot be more trade restrictive than necessary to achieve the legitimate goals that insp ired their introduction. We therefore urge Thai 
authorities to implement the country’s policies in line with this core multilateral trading principle.  
4.122.  That being said, it pleases us to report that there have been significant developments in 
the cooperation between Brazil and Thailand during the review period, with high level political and 
private sector meetings. Given our vibrant agricultural sectors, Brazil and Thailand have naturally 
deepened their cooperation in this area, particularly on ethanol production. Our countries are 
currently negotiating a specific understanding on energy, to provide an official channel for deepening this initiative. We also cooperate on SPS matters, particularly on fruit fly control. 
RUSSIAN
 FEDERATION 
4.123.  To start with, on behalf of the Russian delegation let me welcome the seventh Trade Policy 
Review of the Kingdom of Thailand and greet the o fficial delegation from Bangkok here in Geneva. 
We are pleased to participate in this TPR with a view that it would contribute significantly to the 
trade transparency of Thailand.  
4.124.  The Russian Federation values its long lasting and friendly relations with Thailand, 
maintained systemically both bilaterally and regionally within various multilateral formats in the 
Asia-Pacific. We are pleased to have a positive trade and economic cooperation record with 
Thailand. To confirm that, let me just note that the last meeting of the Joint Russian-Thai Commission on Bilateral Cooperation took place in Moscow in July 2015 and stimulated further 
development of our bilateral ties.  
4.125.  To offer some figures, bilateral trade turnover between Russia and Thailand in 2013-2014 
increased by 18%, totalling about US$3.98 billion.  By the end of 2014, the aggregate volume of 
the Russia’s direct investments in Thailand rose  by 32% reaching US$422 million. Nonetheless, we 
are confident that our countries have a good potential to further enhance bilateral trade and 
increase the investment flows. 
4.126.  Russia shares an overall positive assessmen t of the economic policies pursued by the 
authorities of Thailand. Bangkok has managed to maintain a macro-financial stability and ensure 
the resilience of its economy despite several external  and internal challenges during the recent five 
years. We also share and welcome the growth forecast for the country for 2015-2016.  
4.127.  Prior to this TPR session Russia has submitted a number of questions to Thailand regarding 
tariff quotas, import surcharges, non-automatic li censing with respect to certain goods, sanitary WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  and phytosanitary measures, tax treatment of alcoholic beverages. We look forward to receiving 
the answers and intend to consider them thoroughly. 
HONG  KONG,  CHINA 
Bilateral trade between Thailand and Hong Kong, China  
4.128.  Two years ago, Hong Kong, China (HKC) and Thailand signed a Cooperation Arrangement 
on Strengthening Trade and Economic Relations, affirming the importance of our long-term ties and our common wish to promote them. We are plea sed to see that our bilateral trade had indeed 
grown at an average annualised rate of 5% between 2010 and 2014. For merchandise trade in 
particular, trade value had already reached US$17.7 billion by 2013; a further increase of 14% in the following year made Thailand our 8th largest trading partner. Bilateral services trade was also significant, at US$2.4 billion in 2013. These figure s are most encouraging, and we look forward to 
even closer cooperation with Thailand in the years to come. 
Multilateral trade 4.129.  At the WTO, Thailand and HKC also work together to support the multilateral trading 
system.  
Implementation of MC9 outcomes 4.130.  In this connection, we wish to commend Thailand for having granted duty-free quota-free 
market access to all least developed countries (LDCs) since April this year. The nearly 7,000 
products involved account for 73% of all its tariff lines. Last month, Thailand also ratified the Agreement on Trade Facilitation. All these efforts clearly demonstrate Thailand’s strong commitment to implementing MC9 outcomes. 
Tariffs 
4.131.  Regarding the more general trade policy measures, we note that Thailand has a complex 
tariff structure comprising duty-free tariff lines, ad valorem  duty, and non-ad valorem duty 
including specific duty and alternate duty. Althou gh non-agricultural products had an average MFN 
applied tariff rate of 10.1% in 2014, for tran sport equipment the average was much higher, at 
36%; and could be as high as 80% for certain equipment. Moreover, around 27% of the tariff lines 
were subject to international tariff peaks that ex ceeded 15%. We encourage Thailand to simplify 
its tariff regime and lower the applied tariff rate s for goods that are subject to tariff peaks. 
Agriculture 4.132.  For agricultural products, the simple average applied MFN tariff rate in 2014 was 35%. 
Particularly high tariffs, ranging from 50% to over a thousand per cent (the latter being an 
ad valorem  equivalent) applied to 206 tariff lines and we re levied on various agricultural products. 
We also note that tariff rate quotas have remained in place for 22 agricultural items. The quota 
allocation methods tend to be complex and in most cases there are restrictions on eligible 
importers. We encourage Thailand to review its measures in order to move towards a more liberalised trade regime for agricultural products. 
Services 
4.133.  We note that services account for a significant part of the Thai economy and continue to 
make important contributions to the country’s employment and GDP. While Thailand is committed to reducing all restrictions on trade in services substantially under the ASEAN Economic 
Community Blueprint, restrictions on market entry and foreign equity participation for other WTO 
Members remain in several subsectors. We encourage Thailand to consider further liberalising the trade regime for foreign investment , for instance, by reducing, if not removing altogether, foreign 
equity limitations for various sectors. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  State-owned Entreprises 
4.134.  We understand that state involvement in Thailand’s economy persists and state-owned 
enterprises (SOEs) are exempted from the Trade Competition Act. During the review period, plans for privatization have been at a standstill, while the performance of some SOEs remains a matter 
of concern. 
4.135.  We are pleased to note that the Thai Government is determined to reform the SOEs with a 
view to turning them into an effective mechanis m for promoting sustainable economic and social 
development. 
4.136.  To this end, we encourage Thailand to consider various options, such as privatization, 
bringing in private participation and investment, opening SOEs to competition, etc., so that positive results can be seen in the near future. 
Concluding remarks 
4.137.  Finally, I would like to thank the Thai delegation for the prompt replies it provided to our 
questions. I wish Thailand a very  fruitful Trade Policy Review.   
ARGENTINA 
4.138.  Argentina commends Thailand for the resilience of its economy, which has maintained its 
macro financial stability despite several endogenous and exogenous challenges that have slowed 
the pace of economic recovery from the recent global financial crisis. It is also pleased to note the 
Thai economy's favourable growth prospects for 2016. 
4.139.  Likewise, my delegation congratulates Thailand for its improvements in total factor 
productivity growth and in its human developm ent performance and income inequality index. 
4.140.  Development of the countries of Southeast Asia is a matter of particular interest to 
Argentina, which explains our participation in this review of Thailand's trade policies. 
4.141.  Argentina would especially like to know more about the challenges to economic 
development of Thailand's fisheries sector, in light of the abundance of this important WTO 
Member's fish stocks, which is unique in the world. 
4.142.  Lastly, while reiterating our appreciation of this renewed opportunity to exchange 
information and comments on Thailand's trade policies and practices, we would like to draw 
attention once again to the importance of this ex ercise in transparency from every point of view, 
and to wish the Thai authorities a successful conclusion to their country's seventh trade policy review. 
NEW
 ZEALAND 
4.143.  New Zealand welcomes the opport unity to engage in the Trade Policy Review of Thailand. 
Since Thailand’s previous Review in 2011, a number of factors have put pressure on Thailand’s 
economic performance, including the military coup in 2014 and the ongoing caution of foreign 
investors waiting for a return to a stable, democratically elected government. These, compounded with external pressures, have impacted Thailand’s ability to recovery from the global economic 
slowdown, which was looking promising in 2012. Despite these challenges, New Zealand 
acknowledges the consideration that Thailand is giving to undertaking structural economic reform. We note that many of these initiatives however, are still under consideration. We look forward to their progress.  
4.144.  Like other Members we welcome Thailand’s active participation in the current MC10 related 
discussions, as well as the importance it attaches to the WTO as the foundation for its relationships with its trading partners. New Zealand and Thailand enjoy collaboration across a range of WTO 
work streams, including in technical Committees, special sessions and negotiations towards 
plurilateral agreements that support the mult ilateral system, such as the ITA expansion. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  New Zealand welcomes Thailand’s re cent ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, and also 
notes that until recently Thailand Chaired the Special Session on Trade and Environment. 
4.145.  We are pleased to acknowledge that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the 
Thailand-New Zealand Closer Economic Partnership (CEP) signed in 2005. This was our third ever 
free trade agreement (after Australia and Singap ore) and is the cornerstone of our trade and 
economic relationship with Thailand. There is still however more for us to achieve under the CEP’s built-in-agenda, in the areas of services, govern ment procurement, and a review of the Special 
Agricultural Safeguards mechanism. We look forward to working with Thailand to advance this 
work soon. Since 2010, Thailand and New Zealand have also been parties to ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and in 2012 entered into negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. 
4.146.  As mentioned, we welcome Thailand’s consideration of initiatives to structurally reform its 
economy. One area of particular interest is Thailand’s foreign investment policies and their impact on services trade. We welcome advice from Thailand about any possible amendments to the 
Foreign Business Act 1999, and whether there are any timeframes for finalising these 
amendments. Policies that support open and transp arent foreign investment are a critical element 
of a modern integrated economy. 
4.147.  High tariffs continue to be a major barrier for trade with Thailand, particularly for 
agricultural products. New Zealand urges Thailand  to prioritize the reduction of tariffs on 
agricultural products to increase the productivity of this sector. We acknowledge Thailand’s efforts to consider policies to improve agriculture productive through the Production Development 
Strategy, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and welcome more information about 
the strategy and efforts to improve agriculture productivity. New Zealand has been successful in increasing its agricultural productivity and there may very well be areas where we can share 
knowledge and expertise.   
4.148.  There are a number of non-tariff measures and policies which have a negative impact on 
trade that New Zealand wishes Thailand to give further consideration. Thailand’s new regulation on 
alcohol labelling is an area of concern for New Zealand. We recognize Thailand’s right to introduce 
new regulations which address legitimate health concerns, but are concerned that in this case, it has done so in a way that is restrictive to trad e. We appreciate the engagement we have had on 
this issue in Bangkok and Geneva. 
4.149.  Given New Zealand exports are dominated by the primary sector, we take a strong interest 
in countries food safety control measures. We wo uld welcome any advice from Thailand whether it 
is considering any changes to the legislative Act for “Controlling the Marketing Promotion on Food 
for Infant and Young Children and other Related Prod ucts” (commonly known as “The Milk Code”).   
4.150.  Finally, New Zealand welcomes Thailand beco ming an observer to the WTO Government 
Procurement Agreement (GPA) in July 2015. We understand that Thailand is developing legislation 
on government procurement that is aligned to the WTO GPA and UNCITRAL standards. We would 
welcome an update on the status of Thailand’s implementing legislation.  
4.151.  New Zealand appreciates Thailand’s continued commitment to the multilateral trading 
system and we welcome the positive steps that Thailand has taken in the four years since the last 
TPR. In addition, we value our special trading relationship through the CEP and AANZFTA, and we 
look forward to further cooperation in RCEP.  
REPUBLIC
 OF KOREA 
4.152.  Thailand is one of Korea’s key trading partners. I am pleased to note that Korea and 
Thailand have expanded their trade relations over the years, with bilateral trade reaching roughly 
US$13 billion dollars in 2014. Korea hopes that both countries will continue to strengthen the 
bilateral economic partnership well into the future based on, among others, the Korea-ASEAN 
Agreements on Trade in Goods and Services and the Korea-ASEAN Agreement on Investment. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  General Assessment of Thailand’s Achievements since 2011 
4.153.  Turning to Thailand’s economic trends, we wish to note that the economy of Thailand has 
maintained macro-financial stability and showed resilience and signs of recovery despite some challenges including massive floods. Specifically, inflation dropped progressively to 1.9% in 2014, 
which is half of its 2011 level, and the unemployment rate remained stable at 0.8%. Its GDP 
growth was forecast by the IMF to stand at 3.7% in 2015 and 4.1% in 2016.  
4.154.  Mr. Chairman, while reviewing the progress achiev ed by Thailand during the review period, 
my delegation noted some areas in which considerations for further improvement might be 
necessary. I would like to take this opportunity to make some comments on Thailand’s trade policies and practices.  
4.155.  First, we applaud Thailand’s commitment to the multilateral trading system as well as its 
proactive participation in numerous regional and bilateral trade liberalization efforts.  
4.156.  However, to sustain its economic growth amid increasing internal and external 
uncertainties, Korea believes that it is important for the Thai government to continue undertaking 
structural reforms aimed at improving its international competitiveness and enhancing growth, 
while maintaining openness to foreign trade and investment. 
4.157.  Second, Korea remains concerned particularly over the restrictions applied to foreign 
investment, the complicated tariff structure and tax systems, the widespread use of price controls, 
and non-tariff barriers such as import licensing and prohibitions on various items, as indicated in the Secretariat report. Korea notes that there have been no major changes in these areas since the last TPR of Thailand, and hopes that the Thai  government will address these concerns in a 
timely manner to further facilitate trade and to  enhance the predictability of its trade regime. 
4.158.  Third, we note that Thailand remains an infrequent user of anti-dumping measures and no 
initiation of any investigation of countervailing du ty measures has occurred yet. However, recourse 
to safeguard measures intensified and several contingency measures affected steel products 
during the review period. Recalling that safeguard measures are designed as a trade remedy against fair trade to address exceptional circumstances and not as a tool to promote domestic 
industry, it would be advisable that more prudent approaches be taken in initiating safeguard 
investigations. 
Concluding Remarks 4.159.  It is our hope that Thailand will continue to actively participate in strengthening the WTO 
multilateral trading system. In particular, we appreciate Thailand’s timely acceptance of the 
Protocol of Amendment to insert the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) into the WTO Agreement. 
4.160.  With this, we would like to conclude by expr essing our sincere appreciation to the Thai 
delegation for the hard work and wish Thailand every success in its TPR.  
MALAYSIA 4.161.  Malaysia is pleased to take part in this seventh Trade Policy Review of Thailand and 
associates itself with the statement made by the Brunei on behalf of ASEAN. 
4.162.  We are happy to note that Thailand economy has continued to do well through challenging 
times and the GDP is slated to grow by more than 4.2% in 2016 as stated in the Secretariat 
report. It is important to highlight that Thailand has shown its ability to adjust, not only to an 
unfavourable international economic environment,  but also against some challenging domestic 
issues and natural disasters. 
4.163.  Malaysia and Thailand enjoy a strong and highly complementary economic relationship 
through evolving bilateral and regional integration initiatives. On the bilateral front, Thailand was 
Malaysia's fifth largest export destination and sour ce of import in 2014, with total bilateral trade 
accounting for US$25 billion. Trade between Malaysia and Thailand include E&E products, crude WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  petroleum, chemicals and chemical products and machinery, appliances and parts. Regionally, 
Thailand was Malaysia's second largest partner in ASEAN, after Singapore. 
4.164.  On the investment front, Thailand is a prominent destination of Malaysia's foreign direct 
investment, with many Malaysian companies including Commerce International Merchant Bankers 
(CIMB), PROTON and Ingress Auto Ventures having established presence in Thailand. Similarly, 
some of Thailand's major companies such as Charoen Pokphand Holdings, Central Pattana PLc and Bangkok Bank Bhd are in Malaysia, with some have established their global trading headquarters 
in Malaysia. There are 18 Regional Establishments from Thailand in Malaysia. As of 2014, almost 
87 projects with Thailand's participation have been implemented with total investments of US$482 million in Malaysia. These projects have created some 10,000 job opportunities. 
4.165.  Malaysia commends Thailand for its steadfast support and commitment to the multilateral 
trading system and global trade liberalization, as all ASEAN. In particular, Malaysia commends 
Thailand for ratifying the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) as well as its recent notification of granting duty-free quota-free (DFQF) treatment fo r more than 73% products from least developed 
countries. Thailand's contributions are valuable as we work closely to achieve concrete outcome for 
the MC10 in Nairobi, Kenya. 
4.166.  While welcoming the trade initiatives and further liberalization undertaken by Thailand over 
the review period, Malaysia is concerned on some of Thailand's trade-related policies and 
measures in particular, stringent licensing requirements for automotive tyres, rigorous standards on ceramic tiles as well as differentiation between domestic food safety inspection fees and import permit fees for some meat. Thus, we encourage Th ailand to review the measures with a view to 
simplify the procedures so as to better facilitate traders and businesses. 
4.167.  Malaysia has submitted some written questions and we look forward to receiving feedback. 
PHILIPPINES 
4.168.  As a fellow founding member of ASEAN, Thailand is one of the Philippines’ oldest friends 
and partners in the region. The Philippines and Thailand have concluded a number of agreements 
and enhanced our cooperation in air services, defe nce, agriculture, energy, tourism and culture, 
amongst many others that redound to the benefit of our peoples. Our bilateral trade relations also 
continue to be robust, with Thailand as the Philippines 8th largest trading partner in 2014. 
4.169.  In terms of developments in Thailand's position among the most competitive economies in 
the world, the Secretariat’s report highlighted s light improvements in total factor productivity 
growth as well as weaknesses in several areas where reforms are either under way or under 
consideration. Furthermore, the Secretariat’s re port noted that limited trade and trade-related 
structural reforms were undertaken.  
4.170.  In relation to the customs valuation issue be tween the Philippines and Thailand, as also 
provided in the Secretariat’s report, we take this opportunity to welcome the steps undertaken by Thailand to implement certain areas of the DSB recommendations and rulings. The Philippines, 
nonetheless, remains concerned about a series of outstanding compliance issues. These issues 
remain and we continue to express our openness to bilateral discussions in order to resolve them and as much as possible without returning to dispute settlement. We trust that Thailand continues to live up to its role as a responsible and important Member of this Organization, and looks 
forward to its commitment to full compliance.   
MONTENEGRO 4.171.  Montenegro aligns itself with the statemen t delivered earlier by the EU delegation. 
4.172.  On reading the reports submitted by the Go vernment of Thailand and the World Trade 
Organization’s Secretariat in advance of this meeting, Montenegro notes that Thailand’s strong fundamentals and appropriate policy mix have helped maintain macro-financial stability and 
ensure the resilience of the economy despite the challenges that have slowed pace since the global 
financial crisis. Although Thailand’s economic growth in 2013 and 2014 slowed to 0.9%, WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  Montenegro is pleased to observe that economic  growth in the first quarter of 2015 was 3% and 
that growth is expected to be 3%-4% for 2015.  
4.173.  Montenegro acknowledges the Government of Thailand’s long standing policy and practice 
to fully support credible and well-functioning multilateral trading system, viewing this as a key to 
freer and fairer global trade. Montenegro shares these beliefs and wishes to commend the 
Government of Thailand for its contribution to current WTO negotiations, including ITA 2 extension, its early ratification of the Amended Protocol to TFA, as well as its continuous 
engagements especially in the works of the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on 
environment.  
4.174.  Of particular interest to Montenegro is the importance that the Government of Thailand 
places on tourism as an important engine of its development.  As a state that is heavily reliant on 
tourism itself, Montenegro commends Thailand on ac hieving an increase of more than four million 
tourist visits between 2012 and 2013, dispute na tural disasters experienced in 2011. Montenegro 
will continue to follow with particular interest the Government of Thailand’s recent initiatives to 
develop special economic zones aiming at boosting its industrial development, as well as 
promoting innovations and improving investment climate. 
4.175.  Although our two countries have had modest trade relations so far, we believe that recent 
collaboration established between our two Chambe rs of Commerce and the first ever business 
forum organized jointly in Montenegro in September 2013, represent a solid foundation to enhance economic cooperation between our business communities on joint projects, particularly in tourism, agriculture and agro-industry. 
4.176.  Montenegro is looking forward to continuing constructive engagement with the Delegation 
of Thailand in Geneva. We would like to use this opportunity to warmly welcome new Permanent Representative, Ambassador Boonyarit Kalayanamit whose extended experience will be an 
important addition to our overall work at the WTO. 
MYANMAR 4.177.  Along with historic and cultural links, Myan mar and Thailand have enjoyed very close and 
friendly relations. Thailand is not only a major trading partner of Myanmar, but also a 
neighbouring country sharing over 2000 kilometres of borderline. Furthermore, our two countries 
are fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 
4.178.  The bilateral trade between Myanmar and Thailand is observed in an upward trend 
increasing from US$4.852 billion in 2012-13 to US$5.711 billion in 2014-15. In terms of Foreign 
Direct Investment inflow to Myanmar, Thailand stands at third position, having total investment of US$10.291 billion by 89 companies. 
4.179.  We commend Thailand on its concerted efforts and taking necessary measures to facilitate 
and promote trade and investment since its last review in 2011. We are also happy to note that Thailand's strong fundamental and appropriate policy mix have helped maintain macro-financial 
stability and ensure the resilience of its economy despite many challenges since its last review. 
4.180.  We give due recognition that Thailand continues to actively participate in regional 
economic forums as a means to work with partners to advance multilateral trade liberalization. 
4.181.  We are sure that Thailand's efforts on multilateral development will bring benefits not only 
nationally but for the whole region as well. 
4.182.  In conclusion, we would like to express our a ppreciation to the Permanent Representative 
of Thailand, Ambassador Boonyarit Kalayanamit and his competent team for their tireless efforts 
and constructive engagement with other delegations here in Geneva. 
INDIA 4.183.  Thailand has faced several challenges during  the period under review, including on the 
political front as well as effects of turbulence  in the global economic environment and uneven WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  economic recovery. However, Thailand has managed to overcome these challenges with resilience, 
using appropriate policy mix and continuing with reform process though the current pace of growth has slipped down from a high GDP growth rate of 7.3% in 2011. While the outlook for the future is 
positive with economic growth rate of 3.0% ex pected in 2015, downwards risks remain owing to 
economy’s vulnerabilities to external situation, volatility in financial markets, low commodity 
prices, weaker domestic and private demand, and ag ing population among others. We take note of 
three-phase action plan of reforms being pursue d by the Thai Government to enhance economic 
potential. Reform measures aimed to spur growth and improve competitiveness remain under 
consideration in areas such as taxation, infrastructure, transport and management of state enterprises. All in all, Thailand economy cont inues to demonstrate marked resilience, and we 
welcome the Government’s commitment to continue with reform process and to make its trade 
regime more transparent and predictable.  
4.184.  If we shift our compass specifically to trade, we note the openness of the Thai economy to 
international trade as reflected in the high trade to GDP ratio of about 131% last year. On the 
policy front, despite efforts by Thailand to undertake unilateral MFN tariff reductions on certain 
products, the applied average MFN tariff has risen slightly from 11.2% in 2011 to 13.4% in 2014, though the overall direction is to make tariff regime less complex. We encourage Thailand to 
continue simplifying its trade regime, facilitate services trade, and reduce regulatory burden for 
exporting products such as pharmaceuticals.  
4.185.  At the bilateral level, India relations with Thailand are rooted in history, age-old contacts 
and cultural exchanges and extensive people to people linkages. Today, India’s relations with 
Thailand are multi-dimensional. And trade and investment constitute a key pillar of India’s 
expanding relations with Thailand, including in the framework of India-ASEAN FTA in goods and services. Our bilateral trade has almost doubled in the last five years to over US$9 billion last 
year. Beyond trade, our investment ties have gr own rapidly with two-way investments in sector 
such as IT, pharmaceuticals chemical, food processing, infrastructure, automotive, engineering goods, and hospitality. India and Thailand are engaged in negotiating a balanced and ambitious 
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (R CEP) Agreement among Asia-Pacific countries. 
We are committed to strengthening trade and investment partnership with Thailand through bilateral and regional arrangements. Finally, we applaud the commitment of Thailand to the multilateral trading system. We look forward to working with the Thai delegation as well as other 
Members as we prepare for the successful Nairobi Ministerial.  
PAKISTAN 4.186.  Thailand has maintained economic resilience despite the effects of external and internal 
challenges. 
4.187.  Pakistan appreciates Thailand’s reform agenda. The Government's economic policies are 
complimented by the ongoing work of the National  Reform Council (NRC), who, under the Interim 
Constitution Sections 27-31, has undertaken reform tasks in 11 areas: politics, public 
administration, law and justice, local administration, education, economy, energy, public health and environment, media, society, and others. 
4.188.  It is indeed a great achievement that with regards to corporate governance (CG), Thailand 
has become a regional leader. In 2012, Thailand obtained a score of 82.83 points from a possible 
total of 100 in the World Bank's Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes: Corporate 
Governance Country Assessment (CG ROSC), receiv ing higher scores than regional averages in 
every category. Extensive efforts putting in place in the development of CG practices led to 
commendable improvement. 
4.189.  In the first quarter of 2015, the economy grew  by 3.0% and is forecasted to grow by 
3.0%-4.0% for the entire year of 2015. Unemployment rates are low. Thailand enjoys a healthy 
export portfolio in goods amounting to US$227.5 bi llion (2014). Thailand is ranked as one of the 
most competitive economies in the world which has shown further overall factor productivity improvement over the previous year. 
4.190.  It is heartening to know that all internal workings in Thailand to ratify the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement will be completed by end of 2015. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  4.191.  As regards the relations between Pakistan and Thailand, the two countries both enjoy very 
good trade and diplomatic relations. 
4.192.  Bilateral trade between the two countries is increasing; it went from US$916 million in 
2010 to US$1.02 billion last year. Trade surplus is in favour of Thailand. During that period, 
Thailand enjoyed a trade surplus over Pakistan averaging US$777 million a year.  
4.193.  There are opportunities to increase this bilateral trade further between the two countries. 
Thailand is Pakistan’s 39th largest export destination and 13th largest import source. Our bilateral 
trade volume is growing. Major Thai exports to Pakistan are cars, auto parts and accessories, 
chemical products including polymers, rubber pr oducts, iron, steel, and machinery and parts. 
Pakistan's largest export categories to Thailand are fresh aquatic animals, food, yarn and fibers, finished oils, metal ores, metal waste and fabrics.  
4.194.  The two countries are moving ahead in Investment Cooperation as well.  
4.195.  People-to-people contact is one of the most important aspects of the bilateral relations. 
There are thousands of Thai nationals living in Pakistan. Additionally, the number of Pakistani and 
Thai tourists is growing. In 2013, there were 75, 577 Pakistani tourists traveling to Thailand and 
1,607 Thai tourists visiting Pakistan. 
4.196.  In August 2015, at the Third Meeting of th e Joint Trade Committee in Pakistan, the two 
countries have announced their intention to negotiate for an FTA. The first round of FTA 
negotiations started in September 2015. The FTA between the two countries is expected to be 
finalized and signed in 2017. 
4.197.  Pakistan congratulates Thailand on a successful TPR and wishes it all the best for the 
future.  
LAO
 PDR 
4.198.  Lao PDR associates itself with the ASEAN Statement delivered by His Excellency 
Ambassador Mahdi Rahman of Brunei Darussalam. 
4.199.  As ASEAN neighbours and with a shared border of more than 1,800 km, Lao PDR and 
Thailand have enjoyed friendly relations and close cooperation. The two countries established 
diplomatic relations in 1950. Cooperation between the two countries has deepened and 
strengthened in a broad range of areas, including trade and investment. 
4.200.  Thailand has been the largest trading partner of Lao PDR over the years. From 2009-2013, 
bilateral trade between the two countries averaged at US$3.76 billion a year. In 2014, bilateral 
trade reached US$5.44 billion, wi th imports from Thailand of US$4.03 billion, and exports from 
Lao PDR of US$1.41 billion. Lao PDR and Thailand have further set a goal for two-way trade of 
US$8 billion over the next three years. 
4.201.  On multilateral front, Lao PDR is pleased to note an outstanding role Thailand has played 
at WTO as a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system, with active participation and engagements in advancing Doha Development Agenda  and implementation of Bali Decisions, in 
particular in granting DFQF market access to pr oducts from LDCs – we thank Thailand for that. 
4.202.  In concluding, I wish to express our apprecia tion to His Excellency Ambassador Boonyarith 
Kalayanamit and his dedicated team in Geneva for their active involvement and constructive engagement in negotiations and preparation for MC10. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  CAMBODIA 
4.203.  My delegation associates itself with the statement made by Brunei on behalf of ASEAN. 
4.204.  Cambodia and Thailand have a very long history and good relationship. Bilateral trade 
between the two countries increased from 4 million in 2012 to 5 million in 2014. It is expected that 
the exchange value will continue to increase and that good cooperation between the Government 
and the private sector of the two countries will continue. 
4.205.  My delegation commends Thailand on its efforts and on taking necessary measures to 
facilitate and promote trade and investment in our two-way trade as well as among the ASEAN. 
4.206.  In conclusion, my delegation expresses its appreciation to the Permanent Mission of 
Thailand lead by Ambassador Boonyarith Kalayanamit and his team for their good cooperation. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THAILAND AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 
5.1.  Thank you for giving me the floor. Thailand would also like to thank all Members for their 
statements during the first session. We are sincerely thankful for all encouragements and commendations for Thailand’s efforts in strengthening Thailand’s economy in line with the core 
principles and disciplines under the WTO. We have likewise positively taken to heart the 
suggestions, concerns, and questions raised by Members during this review. 
5.2.  As a follow-up to the Trade policy Review meeting of Thailand held on Tuesday this week, I 
would like to take this opportunity to provide br ief but substantive answers to the questions raised 
by Members during the Tuesday meeting as follows. 
Economic environment and trade policy regime 5.3.  The current Government is committed to improving all laws and regulations to meet the 
international standard, promoting trade facilitation and ensuring consistency with current business 
practices. The legislators also took the stakeholders’ opinion into account prior to reforming laws and regulations. We would like to ensure you that the regulatory reforms process will be conducted 
in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner. 
Investment and business framework 5.4.  In terms of our investment regime, Thailand ha s revised its investment promotion policy, also 
known as seven-year investment promotion strategy effective from 2015 to 2021, to respond to 
the current and future situation to be in line with the National Economic and Social Development Plan to enhance the country’s competitiveness to overcome the middle income trap and achieve sustainable development in the long run.  
5.5.  Thailand fully understands concerns of foreign investors regarding the policy on the 
amendment of the Foreign Business Act. We would like to assure that Thailand has clear policy to promote foreign investments and this law should not be an obstacle to foreign investments.  
Trade policies 
Tariffs, TRQs and special fees 5.6.  With regard to concern on import tariff rate of tamarind of over 1,000% which was raised by 
Mr. Chairman, we have received the confirmation that the tariff rate for tamarind is 40% or thirty 
three Baht and fifty satang (33.50 Baht) per kilogram. 
5.7.  On the products that are subject to tariff-rate quotas (TRQs), Thailand has been committing 
to the WTO Agreement and notifying the tariff quot as regularly. Nonetheless, each TRQ product 
has been managed differently based on its nature. As for the import of feed products, including 
maize, soybean and soybean meal, the importation have been allowed more than the WTO bounded quantity with special lower rates than current in-quota rates of these products in order to 
serve the needs of related industries. 
Import prohibitions, restrictions and licensing 5.8.  On import prohibitions, restrictions and licensing, the Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry 
of Commerce, clearly publishes all the document requirements and procedures in each import 
licensing notification. Applications are granted up on complete documentation in the procedure. The 
documents required are relevant and necessary for import administrations, and all the procedure is conducted in a uniform, impartial, and reasonable manner. 
Contingency measures 
5.9.  Thailand has refrained from using contin gency measures, namely anti-dumping and 
countervailing measures, and safeguards. We use them as a last resort and only when extremely 
necessary. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  Standards and technical regulations 
5.10.  The new import requirement on automotive tyre  was introduced due to the risks associated 
with imported below-standard tyres, which involved the safety of the general public. For this reason, the notification should enter into force following the date of its publication in the 
Government Gazette on 12 January 2013. However, in order to allow sufficient time for business 
operators to adjust to this requirement, the enforcement was postponed to 13 March 2013. 
SPS 
5.11.  Thailand has adopted the regulation to cont rol Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) 
since 2004, which prohibits the importation of rumi nant animal-derived products originated from 
countries that are known or suspected of having BSE.  
5.12.  At present, Thailand issues a new Animal Feed Control Act, which is implemented on 
6 March 2015. The Department of Livestock Development, which is the competent authorities for 
this matter, is in the process of revising the relevant subsidiary regulation. Therefore, during this period, importers have been required to follow the existing import regulations until the revision 
process has been completed. 
5.13.  Before exporting beef and beef products to Thailand, there are three steps which exporters 
have to complete such requirements. First, export ers must fill in the questionnaire with adequate 
evidence. Then, relevant Thai agencies will in spect farms and slaughterhouses in the exporting 
countries. After the inspections, an import permit will be considered. 
5.14.  The Department of Livestoc k Development (DLD) and the Office of Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA) are the competent authorities of Thailand for this issue. At this stage, the 
competent authorities are making substantial progress in amending list of countries to be 
consistent with the World Animal Health Organization's conditions (OIE) for the importation of bovines and bovine products.  
5.15.  Regarding international equivalency system, not only documentation has been reviewed, but 
on-site visit for verification is also required to ensure consumer protection. However, some measures will be revised based on risk. 
5.16.  Thailand has strictly controlled animal feed and human food by enforcing measures that are 
applicable, in a non-discriminatory manner, to both locally produced products and imported products. The Ministry of Agriculture has prohibited the use of Beta-Agonist, including ractopamine, in any animal feed production under Animal Feed Quality Control Act since 1982. 
Furthermore, under the Notification of the Ministry of Public Health in 2003, all food products sold 
in Thailand must not be contaminated with Be ta-Agonist. Consequently, all meat products in 
Thailand are ractopamine free. 
5.17.  The Codex Alimentarius Commission established MRLs for ractopamine in cattle and pig 
tissues in 2012. Risk analysis by Codex considers the safety of consuming in four kinds of tissue only while consumers in Thailand consume many internal organs. In addition, the information from 
additional risks assessment analysis of China for ractopamine in the other pig’s tissues which the 
result was submitted to Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) for evaluation shown that there is high level of ractopamine residues in such tissues. 
5.18.  Therefore, in terms of reviewing the Thai regulations with regard to MRL in food products, it 
has been discussed in overall picture with the releva nt agencies, namely the Ministry of Agriculture 
and Cooperatives, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry  o f  P u b l i c  H e a l t h ,  M i n i s t r y  o f  S c i e n c e  a n d  
Technology and Ministry of Industry which is  concluded that the measures and legislation 
prohibiting the use of beta-agonist in animal feed and the residues are still implemented. 
Labelling 5.19.  Thailand wishes to thank WTO Members for all comments with regard to the Notification on 
Alcoholic Beverages control, Rules, Procedure and Condition for Labels of Alcoholic Beverages. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  5.20.  This draft alcoholic beverages regulation has been entered into force since 22 April 2015. 
However, the labels that were used prior to the da te of enforcement can continue to be used until 
18 October 2015. The objective of the alcoholic beverages regulation is to protect public health which is consistent with Article 2.2 of TBT Agreement. This measure is also in line with Article 2.1 
for it would be equally applicable to both imported and local products. 
5.21.  Regarding the pictorial warning labelling regula tion, the Department of Disease Control, the 
Ministry of Public Health, is yet still in the process of considering the warning pictures. Once 
finalized, we will make further notification and would welcome all comments. 
5.22.  Thailand would like to reiterate that controlling alcohol-related problems is our national 
health priority, taking into account many serious health and social problems. There are various academic researches that show alcohol advertising makes teenagers want to try drinking and using 
famous actors in advertisement also influences teenagers in drinking alcohol.  
5.23.  We strongly believe that our policy is not based on trade barrier intention but fulfils our 
ultimate goal of addressing alcohol-related pr oblems and serves the purpose of consumer's 
protection. 
Government procurement 5.24.  Thailand is in the process of proposing a drafted Public Procurement Act for National 
Legislative Assembly consideration and an amendment which will increase more transparency, 
efficiency and widely open for competition. The New act, expected to be enforced in 2016, will cover all government agencies, state enterprises and local authorities. 
Taxation 
5.25.  The Ministry of Finance is in the process of reformation the import tariff structure. There are 
2 phases. Phase 1 is the reduction of import tariff structure for products that cannot be produced by domestic manufacturers, such as machinery, tools and machinery supplies. This phase has 
been operated successfully since 30 December 2014. Currently tariff reform on Phase2 is ongoing 
for the reduction of import tariff structure for products that are not grouped in Phase 1. The transposition of Harmonised System from 2007 to 2012 has resulted in the creation of additional 
tariff lines especially in agricultural related chapte rs. The average tariff in agricultural products has 
increased. However, this does not change the tariff rate for the specific products. 
State Owned Enterprises 5.26.  Thailand is in the process of State Owned En terprise (SOE)’s structural reform. The main 
objective of SOEs reforms is to increase effici ency and effectiveness, enhance transparency and 
accountability, and mitigate political abuses of SOEs. One of the main processes is to set up the ownership structure. That is to set up National  holding company, which will be an independent 
supervision to manage and monitor the performance of major SOEs. This requires a new 
legislation that establishes the governance structure, outlining responsibilities of and relationships among the State Enterprise Policy Committee, the State Enterprise Policy Office, National holding 
company, and SOEs. The draft Act comprises two main parts: the overseeing of SOEs and the 
establishment of the holding entity.  
Competition Policy 5.27.  Amendment of the Competition Act 1999 has been on e of the priorities of legislative reform 
under the current Government since 2014. Last month, the National Reform Council submitted its 
draft amendment text to the Cabinet. The proposed areas of reform include coverage of application of the law, the establishment of Office of Trade Competition Commission as an 
independent body, and adjustment of the penaltie s to be suitable with the present situation. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  Intellectual property rights 
5.28.  Thailand recognizes the importance of IPR prot ection and enforcement of IP laws to protect 
domestic and foreign IP rights holders. The authorities put relentless efforts in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the national law enforcement system.  
5.29.  Thailand realizes that IP registration services can be further improved to ensure timeliness 
and safe costs of doing business. In this connectio n, the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) 
is holding a dialogue with the Office of the Civil Service Commission and in the process to seek for 
the approval to increase patent examiners. 
5.30.  The reduction of backlog has thus been Thailand ’s priority. We plan to increase the number 
of examiners in order to resolve bottlenecks, im prove IT system to enhance IP registration 
efficiency, introduce legislative change to streamline the registration process, The DIP has 
maintained close cooperation with other IP Offices, especially the WIPO, ASEAN and Japan, to 
share patent information to facilitate  the examination of the examiners.  
Sectoral policies 
Agriculture and fisheries 
5.31.  Thailand’s agricultural policies are aimed at the structural and mechanism development, 
including mitigates the impact of natural disaster s. They are focused on improving the regulatory 
in accordance with international standards and commitments as well as promoting area-based 
agricultural extension. 
5.32.  Thailand aims to increase productivity by developing agricultural infrastructure and 
encouraging farmers to cultivate in suitable areas and concentrate on production technology, 
research and development, technology transfer , and integrate modern technology with local 
wisdom in order to increase the value of products. Our priorities are to develop agricultural product standards, agricultural machinery and environmentally friendly technologies.  
5.33.  With regard to the Paddy Pledging Scheme, which is of interest to many Members, we would 
like to reaffirm that the Scheme has been terminated since February 2014. Currently, the Government has looked into more sustainable programmes to support our low-income 
resource-poor farmers through cooperation with private sector. Regarding the release of our rice 
stock, the Government has taken thorough steps to release the stock according to the market mechanism. 
5.34.  Thailand’s policy towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly fisheries industry 
includes: (1) promoting good aquaculture practice at the national and international levels; 
(2) developing, promoting and supporting environm entally friendly aquaculture; (3) promoting 
efficient use of feeds and energy in farming; and (4) conducting research and development on 
feeds other than fishmeal. The new Fisheries Law is in line with the objective of the Convention on 
Biological Diversity (CBD) for conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources, including by 
appropriate access to genetic resources. 
5.35.  The Government of Thailand has declared the combat against IUU Fishing a national 
agenda. All other stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society and NGOs, are working together with the Thai competent authorities. 
5.36.  The new Fisheries Law has already entered into force. The Marine Fisheries Management 
P l a n  a n d  t h e  N a t i o n a l  P l a n  o f  A c t i o n  ( T h a i l a n d  N P O A - I U U )  h a v e  r e c e n t l y  b e e n  a p p r o v e d  b y  t he  Cabinet and expected to be fully implemented within this year. 
5.37.  We are improving the traceability of fishery products in order to ensure that the IUU fishery 
products can be neither imported into our market nor exported from Thailand. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  Communications 
5.38.  Thailand’s telecommunications sector has been under reform and some significant progress 
has been made in order to respond to increasi ng demand for telecommunications services. The 
National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Co mmission, the independent regulator, issues 
various notifications and regulations to promote free and fair competition. 
Transport 5.39.  Thai Government is now developing the infrastructure throughout the country, such as 
investment in transport network, is set to und ergo a long-awaited transformation, in which 
national railway network has been being upgraded and improved. The restructure of transportation 
system to create a modal shift and networks is also the part strategies to connect ASEAN. 
5.40.  I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm that Thailand’s commitment to multilateral 
trade regime remains unchanged and that the current Government has been working diligently 
and put all their best efforts to restore stability under the principle of transparency as well as to undertake reforms aimed at strengthening the democracy and economy of the country. 
5.41.  At the same time, I would like to reassure all Members that Thailand’s economic policy will 
remain open to foreign investors and partners. Thailand will maintain its unwavering principles of supporting free and fair trade at multilateral, regional, and bilateral levels. Thank you. 
DISCUSSANT 
5.42.  I will quickly share some of the observations that I have taken from what has been a very 
constructive and focused engagement.  
5.43.  My first observation is that the ongoing Reform Agenda by Thailand sets a practical and 
meaningful stage for actions in response to the many constructive comments and concerns 
expressed in this TPR. Certainly it is easier to integrate constructive observations into an already committed programme of reform and it is clear that Thailand has already begun a process of 
addressing some of the various issues that Members have raised. 
5.44.  It seems to me that it would be critical for Thailand to ensure that whatever adjustments or 
responses it makes, it preserves its strong fundamentals. These fundamentals have been 
attributed the responsibility for helping Thailand weather many of the shocks that have been faced 
in the period of review. This has been cited by many Members. 
5.45.  Among these important things to be safegu arded would be the low unemployment level 
below 2% and low inflation. These are not accomplishments to be taken for granted and to be put 
at risk. It is hoped that these can be safeguarded in the necessary steps to modernize certain 
sectors which have been identified, move up the value chain and escape the so-called middle income trap. I am confident that the Government of Thailand will do the necessary balancing 
between taking advantage of these opportunities and safeguarding critical fundamentals. 
5.46.  Members have highlighted issues of transparency both in terms of Thailand strengthening its 
transparency commitments or meeting these commitments in certain WTO reporting obligations as 
well as shedding more light on domestic measures affecting certain areas of trade and commerce. 
5.47.  In this regard, clarity on the trade support and incentive measures including in agricultural 
sectors such as rice and sugar have been paid particular attention. 
5.48.  In the area of investments, Members have raised the need to address investment 
restrictions as well as the overall climate by, inter alia,  building confidence and predictability in the 
administrative framework and in policies. 
5.49.  Members have also stressed the importance of steps to build competitiveness and address 
what appear to be policies that limit opportunities for optimal growth in certain sectors due in part 
to what is perceived to be restrictive or protective measures. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  5.50.  In the area of intellectual property rights (IPR), significant further steps to improve both the 
framework for IPR protection as well as awareness and enforcement were identified as important priorities, building on steps already under way, some of which the DDG has further highlighted in her replies today. 
5.51.  There have been calls for actions to address issues in the tariff structure which appears to 
many Members to be complicated in several respects. There were also calls for consideration of the impact of non- ad valorem  tariffs and related peaks as well as challenges in the coherence of the 
tariff system overall and further steps to harmonize the overall system. 
5.52.  The need to address TBT and SPS measures is also of concern including labelling 
requirements, some of these have been addressed by the DDG in her replies. The balance between 
health and safety on the one hand and appropriate non trade restrictive responses on the other 
hand needs to be given due attention. 
5.53.  The question of the integration of the informal sector, which is a challenge not unique to 
Thailand, would certainly continue to be of interest to Members bearing in mind the earlier interest 
to the fundamentals including very low levels of unemployment.  
5.54.  The question of Thailand’s approach to RTAs both bilaterally and through the ASEAN process 
is of interest both in terms of the initiatives being taken by Thailand and beyond its region.  
5.55.  The full and strong engagement of Thailand in the WTO processes has been identified by a 
number of Members both in terms of its contribu tion to the system and engagement on its own 
issues as a Member. 
5.56.  The scope of interventions has reflected the important role that Thailand plays as a 
significant trading nation. Members have been very focused in their comments and, as discussant, 
my life has been made less difficult by the clarit y and focus in these interventions. I am sure that 
the delegation of Thailand will have been able to take very constructive inputs from what Members 
have said. As I indicated at the outset, the fact that Thailand has already signalled its commitment 
to a wide ranging and deep reform process would su ggest that this TPR would, in fact, be part of 
perhaps a validation exercise because, indeed, the commitment expressed in the initial statement 
by the delegation was very clear on almost all of the issues on which there was subsequent 
dialogue from Members. 
5.57.  My assessment is that Members are bullish on Thailand’s trade and economic prospects 
while noting certain downside risks. The sense is that the approaches that are now in evidence in 
terms of the reform process and the response to the shocks that have faced the Thai economy are 
encouraging. The hope is that these will be reflected in significant advances in the period to come and that when we come back in two years' time to review Thailand’s trade policies these will have 
been reflected in return to strong rules and positive economic development. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
5.58.  The EU would like to thank the delegation of Thailand for the replies to the advance 
questions as well as for the additional information provided on Tuesday and this morning.  
5.59.  However, The EU regrets that Thailand has not fully complied with the procedures governing 
the TPR exercise by being unable to respond to  the majority of the questions submitted by 
Members by the first day of the meeting.  
5.60.  According to the opening statement by both the Chair and Thailand, we understood that 
over 400 questions have been submitted. Even grouping similar questions into consolidated answers, the 37 responses received before the first day of the meeting correspond to about a 
tenth of the written questions received. Furthermore, even taking into account the second batch of 
replies circulated yesterday, several EU questions still remain unanswered. 
5.61.  Therefore, before entering into the substance,  the EU would appreciate if we could receive 
some explanation on the reasons for the delay in re plying to Members' questions. In this regard, WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  using the "alternative time-frame" so as to get more time to reply to the questions would have 
been perhaps recommendable.  
5.62.  In the absence of the majority of the replies, it is difficult to have a fruitful follow-up 
discussion, thereby undermining the aim of this TPR exercise. Nevertheless, we would like to 
underline that all our questions are equally importan t and we do hope to receive detailed replies to 
the still outstanding EU questions in due time.   
5.63.  Allow me to raise a few issues that could possibly be answered by the delegation of Thailand 
in the course of this meeting or after the meeting: 
 First of all, please allow me to reiterate our concerns on several aspects of the investment 
rules. This is also one of the most frequent concerns raised by several Members. The EU would like to reiterate our interest in receiving detailed answers to our questions on this 
issue (questions No. 1 to 3).  
 Secondly, we would like to refer to the Thai  reply on mandatory standards for pneumatic 
tyres and would like Thailand to confirm that they will notify the draft mandatory standards 
to the WTO TBT Committee sufficiently in advance of adopting them to allow interested 
Members to make relevant comments and for the comments to be taken into account. We do take note of the statement earlier today bu t this does not preclude that it would be 
important to receive a written reply to our question on tyres. 
 Thirdly, with regard to alcohol labelling, while we thank Thailand for the reply to our 
question No. 30 as well as for the information provided this morning, we would like to ask Thailand to submit detailed information on the studies mentioned in the replies stating that 
the use of the word relate to quality or characteristics of a product such as "finest", 
"premium", "original", "rare" and "limited" can mislead consumers into believing that the product is better or special than the other brand. 
 Finally, we would like to stress our concern on SPS issues, in particular with regard to the 
import permits necessary for the importation of chilled or frozen meat, as well as certain plants and plant products. We would appreciate if Thailand could clarify what steps and 
documents are needed to import those products into Thailand.  
5.64.  In conclusion, the EU is hopeful that this Trade Policy Review will help Thailand in reviewing 
its own policies and looking ahead we hope that Thailand will continue to increase further liberalization in the sectors that can most contribute to enhancing Thailand's competitiveness. 
UNITED
 STATES 
5.65.  We also would like to thank the DDG for her statement this morning and we would like to 
thank Thailand for the replies to the advance questions. While we are still studying the replies, we 
did note that there were a number of questions th at had not been answered. I would like to just 
share some of those questions with you this morning. 
5.66.  They pertain to the Export/Import bank. We would like Thailand to explain whether 
exporters of agricultural products are eligible und er any of the five new pr ogrammes offering credit 
facilities for small- and medium-sized exporters and which ones would those be. Given that Export/Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM) is a state-owned entity whose severe losses are to be compensated by the Thai Government, could you explain why Thailand has previously reported in 
the WTO “Questionnaire on Export Competition” that it does not provide export financing 
programmes for agricultural products? Could you please describe the export financing programmes 
offered by EXIM for which agricultural commodities and products are eligible? What was the value 
of agricultural exports supported by each of EX IM's export financing programmes during 2013 and 
2014? What were the agricultural products su pported, their destinations, the maximum and 
average annual repayment terms,  and the average premium rate? 
5.67.  With those questions asked, we look forward to receiving responses and we would like to 
thank Thailand in advance for its efforts. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  MS. SUNANTA  KANGVALKULKIJ  (HEAD  OF THE DELEGATION) 
5.68.  Thank you very much for the statements by the delegations of the EU and the United 
States. I would like to assure you that we will try our best to answer all the questions that have been raised to us. We really appreciate your questions because this is a mirror to our trading 
policy. The reason of the delay is because some agencies answered us in Thai and we have to 
translate the replies in English. Please apologize. We will answer your questions. Thank you very much.  WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
6.1.  This seventh Trade Policy Review of Thailand has enabled us to improve our understanding of 
recent developments in its trade and trade-related policies, and the challenges it currently faces. Our discussion has clearly benefited from the active participation of the Thai delegation, led by 
Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Deputy Director-Gener al of the Department of Trade Negotiations, 
Ministry of Commerce, as well as from the remarks of our discussant, H.E. Ambassador Wayne McCook, Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the WTO, and many interventions by Members. 
Thailand's response to only part of the more than 464 advanced written questions was referred to 
by Members who look forward receiving replies to outstanding questions within one month.  
6.2.  Members praised Thailand's strong macro-economic fundamentals and appropriate policy mix 
that had helped maintain financial stability and ensure the resilience of its outward-oriented 
economy. This was achieved despite continued endogenous and exogenous challenges relating 
inter alia to lower domestic spending, an ageing population, rising labour costs, limited production capacity in high technology, and political issues . Thailand was encouraged to avoid the "middle 
income trap" by pursuing structural reforms inter alia in areas such as taxation, competition policy, 
state-owned enterprises and transparency, which would spur productivity gains and improve its international competitiveness. Action to remove existing FDI restrictions, improve transport 
infrastructure, focus on a digital economy, and move manufacturing capacity up the value chain 
was also suggested in order to promote growth.  
6.3.   Members commended Thailand's commitment to  the multilateral trading system and its 
active participation in the DDA negotiations, including in the expansion of the Information 
Technology Agreement. Its recent ratification  of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation, 
observer status to the Committee on Government  Procurement and the granting of Duty Free 
Quota Free treatment to LDCs, as well as the inte ntion to accept the Protocol of Amendment to the 
TRIPS Agreement by MC10, were widely appreciated. Some Members noted Thailand's increased 
involvement in RTAs and expressed the hope that these schemes would contribute to further enhancing trade under the multilateral trading sy stem. Several Members encouraged Thailand to 
improve its WTO notification record in a number of areas, such as RTAs, rules of origin, state 
trading, intellectual property rights, and domestic support in agriculture. 
6.4.   Some Members commended Thaila nd's unilateral lowering of tariffs on certain products and 
encouraged further improvements to its virtually unchanged and complex tariff structure. Other 
Members expressed appreciation for Thailand's trade facilitation initiatives including the signature 
of the Revised Kyoto Convention. Several Memb ers noted that TBT and SPS measures on, for 
example, ceramic tiles, ractopamine maximum resi due limits, beef and poultry requirements, food 
inspection fees, and alcoholic beverage labelling, as well as import licensing requirements for 
automotive tyres remained more restrictive than necessary; they encouraged Thailand to among others review some of these measures, make grea ter use of international standards, and recognise 
disease- and pest-free areas. Certain Members noted Thailand's intensified recourse to safeguard 
measures, and they advised inter alia more prudent approaches in initiating investigations. 
6.5.  Certain Members urged Thailand to review and simplify its allegedly discretionary excise 
taxes on alcoholic beverages and automobiles. Members encouraged Thailand to consider options 
for reducing state involvement in the economy. Some Members welcomed action to strengthen its 
intellectual property rights regime but expresse d concern about its enforcement; they encouraged 
Thailand to address and prioritize longstanding challenges including the patent applications 
backlog. Several Members encouraged Thailand to improve the enforcement of the competition 
legislation and address issues relating to price controls. 
6.6.  Despite its global competitiveness, Thailand's agriculture remained protected with particularly 
high tariffs, TRQs, special safeguards, significant domestic support spending, and other behind the 
border barriers; some Members urged Thailand to  move towards a more liberal trade regime for 
agricultural products. Others recognized services as a pillar of the Thai economy, and welcomed progress made in this area; at the same time, they encouraged Thailand to promote sustainable 
growth by furthering multilateral liberalization in banking, insurance, telecommunications, real 
estate, and professional services. WT/TPR/M/326 • Thailand 
 
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  6.7.  Following the detailed responses provided by the Thai authorities to Members' concerns 
expressed at this meeting, this successfully concludes our seventh Review of Thailand. I am 
certain that Thailand will find useful the extensiv e and fruitful discussion as well as the insights 
provided by Members during the review and will take them into account to further develop its 
trade and economic policies in order to enhance the competitiveness of its economy. The large 
number of advance questions and the many interven tions by delegations highlights the importance 
Members attach to Thailand's trade and related policies and its role in the WTO and the 
multilateral trading system. I would once again like to thank the Thai delegation, the discussant 
and Members for contributing to what has been a very enlightening two days of discussions. 
__________