TAFTA : a Thai perspective

Abstract

The thesis examines the Thailand Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) andwhether it has brought about a successful and more liberal trading relationshipbetween the parties. The evidence suggests that while TAFTA has succeeded inopening the market for goods between the two countries, it has been far lesssuccessful in opening up the services market. In this context TAFTA must be seen asan intermediary step in the liberalisation of markets, and as an important step leadingto multilateral free trade groupings such as the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) andthe Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Membership of thesegroups may thrust Thailand towards greater trade liberalisation especially in theservices market and greater protection of intellectual property rights if it is tocontinue to be a significant player in the region.

Date of Award	2016
Original language	English