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Show equal boldness here at home

Khao Sod editorial _ Against persistent protests by activists, interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont last week signed an historic free trade agreement with Japan. Now he must face the consequences of his action.

It is argued that, as interim prime minister, Gen Surayud should not take any action that will involve the country in a long-term international commitment.

In the case of the free trade agreement with Japan, he should have got the Thai people involved in studying the pros and cons of the deal.

Activists have raised concerns about the possible influx of industrial waste from Japan while certain sectors of industry expressed concern they would be disadvantaged by the pact.

By signing the deal, the Surayud government managed to keep Japanese investment in Thailand. It also helped assure foreign investors who were fearful of what they saw as anti-foreign sentiment growing in the country.

Nonetheless, Prime Minister Surayud now has his work cut out to alleviate any negative impact that may arise from the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA).

He must learn from the Thai-Australian free trade agreement, signed by the previous government, which caused a lot of problems for Thai farmers.

And since it has shown its aversion to anything interim, we urge the government to act more decisively from now on. There is no excuse for it to dawdle over the next eight months before a new general election is held.

Since it was brave enough to sign the JTEPA, this government should exercise the same courage in tackling pressing national issues. There are no double standards for the prime minister and his cabinet ministers.

Bangkok Post

Monday April 09, 2007