The Politics of Thailand’s Negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on ASEAN Countries
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Abstract
This research article examines (1) the importance of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and Thailand’s decision to participate in the RCEP on the RCEP with ASEAN Plus Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that Thailand previously entered into;investigates (2) the related players and the roles of Thailand’s representatives on the participation in the RCEP with ASEAN countries ; and studies (3) the effects and approaches to manage the benefits for Thailand on the participation in the RCEP with ASEAN countries. The research instruments in this qualitative research were an interview form of in-depth interview with five subjects. Data was analyzed using content analysis. Findings are as follows. (1) At the 34th ASEAN Summit, Thailand pushed for ASEAN’s leading role in the region under the concept of ASEAN centrality, agreed to develop an ASEAN perspective on the Indo-Pacific, and accelerated the push for the RCEP to address trade uncertainties. Thailand continued ASEAN cooperation under the vision of “Stability, Prosperity, Sustainability,” encompassing cybersecurity, digital economic development, regional connectivity, and sustainability in social, environmental, and cultural aspects. (2) The RCEP uses the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Trade Negotiating Committee (RCEP TNC) as the major mechanism, establishing a total of fourteen working groups with various sectors participating in determining positions. The public sector leads the negotiations and determines the policies. The private sector supports market openings to increase trade opportunities. The civil society monitors the social and public health impact. Overall, Thailand plays a role in both mobilizing liberalization and safeguarding national interests simultaneously. (3) Regarding policy-making approaches towards ASEAN countries, as a medium-sized country, Thailand should formulate policies towards ASEAN with ASEAN at its center, strengthening regional peace and stability, promoting a proactive role, cooperation at all levels, and comprehensive security to address traditional and new forms of threats.
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