Thailand bids to join TPP free trade pact

May 2, 2018

Bangkok (Jiji Press)-Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said Tuesday that his country hopes to soon join the new Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, signed by Japan and 10 others of the 12 original TPP member countries in March.

Somkid made the announcement at a meeting with visiting Japanese Economic Revitalization Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, who was engaged in negotiations on the TPP-11 pact, according to Motegi.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Motegi welcomed Thailand's bid to join the TPP and expressed Japan's readiness to support the move.

Formal negotiations on Thailand's participation "should follow the pact's entry into force" expected for early next year "and require the consent of the existing members," the Japanese minister said.

He said that a basic plan on handling Thailand's bid is expected to be drawn up when chief TPP negotiators from the member countries meet in Japan between June and July.

The Thai government issued a statement the same day noting that Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha is committed to joining the TPP, and expressing hope for Japan's assistance, such as the offer of related information. Jiji Press