. /.  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
WT/MIN(11)/ST/24 
16 December 2011  
 
(11-6571) 
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE 
Eighth Session Geneva, 15 - 17 December 2011 Original:   English 
 
  
THAILAND 
 
Statement by Mr Kittiratt Na-Ranong 
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce 
  1. The previous three months since my government  came into office have been eventful with 
far-reaching consequences around the world, both in terms of the declining state of global economy 
and natural disasters affecting various corners of the globe. 
2. The flooding of Thailand and Bangkok is the worst flooding in our recent history.  The effects 
of this flooding have evidently extended beyond ou r border, disrupting regional and global supply 
chains, and creating some reperc ussion on the world food production. 
3. However, as we have already put in place me asures for the country's rehabilitation, I am 
confident that Thailand will emerge from this cris is even far stronger and better prepared for the 
future.  Thailand will continue to be your trusted trade and investment partner and will not 
rescind on our international commitments .  As we have learned from the past crises we can only 
remain strong with an open-minded and progressive thinking. 
4. I will not elucidate the details of our rehabilitati on plan at this juncture, given the short time 
available.  Instead, I would like to draw three key lessons learned from this sea-changing event which, 
I believe, have some bearings on the undertaking of this very institution. 
5. First, no country can pursue a sustainable recovery alone .  Since the start of this 
global financial crisis in 2008, the strength of the WTO in providing rules-based trading system and a 
forum for constructive dialogues among its me mbers has proven effective in preventing 
protectionism.  However, the crisis is far from ove r, and the fragility of the global economy leaves 
no room for renewed trade tensions.  Therefore, we must remain vigilant to keep our markets open 
and refrain from using protectionist measures. 
6. Second, we should not confuse pragmatism  with not being true to our principles .  
Approaches are simply means to an end.  Therefor e, while we remain committed to the development 
mandate of the DDA we, nevertheless, need to expl ore new avenues to move the negotiations forward 
where conclusions can be made on their own merits. 
7. This includes outcomes that meet the aspirati ons of our poorest population such as duty-free 
quota-free access, and also outcomes that will help developing countries better integrate into the 
multilateral trading system and reap the true benef its of open trade regimes, such as trade facilitation 
and NTBs. WT/MIN(11)/ST/24 
Page 2  
 
  8. The final point that I would like to make is that no one can afford to rest on one's 
laurels , certainly not in the pace of global risks that we are experiencing today.  The future we carve 
for ourselves would depend on our ability to effec tively respond to a number of  growing challenges.  
Therefore, for the WTO, we ought to continue strengthening the multilateral trading system and 
updating its agreements in order to be relevant to  the current business realities and responsive to the 
emerging global trade challenges. 
9. For Thailand, despite the challenges posed by the recent floods, our commitments to the 
WTO remains unchanged and I assure you that we will c ontinue to play our constructive role in the 
years to come.  
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