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Image source, https://www.frithjof-schmidt.de
Fritjov Schmidt, MP for the Greens of the Federal Republic of Germany
Greens MP Fritjov Schmidt said he would continue to pressure the German government. And the European Union (EU) to suspend the opening of negotiations on the free zone agreement between the EU and Thailand. Because he saw that. The current Thai government, which has been transformed by the coup, is still taking measures to prevent the democratic process.
Mr. Schmidt, who assigned the seats on the council to Mr. Haikomas, Minister for Foreign Affairs. When asked about Her Majesty’s stay in the Federal Republic of Germany and the pressure on the EU to delay opening negotiations for a free trade agreement with Thailand, he told BBC Thai that he was not happy with the answer. the rest. And keep moving forward
“I am not satisfied with the answer because I want the minister to say that I will support the suspension of trade talks. I think the EU should do very well if it wants to defend democratic values,” Schmidt said in a telephone interview from Germany.
The EU suspended all levels of contact with the Thai authorities after the 2014 coup, but resumed negotiations after last year’s elections, in which General Prayut re-led the country. Civil prime minister
Image source, Reuters
Chancellor Haikomas made a statement in the House of Commons.
Schmidt’s MP and a 68-year-old former weekly newspaper editor asked Maass in parliament on October 7 if Germany was prepared to discuss with the EU a further suspension of free trade talks with Thailand. Round or not “As long as the junta continues to block the road to democracy in Thailand”
Mr. Mas responded to this story. Suspension of negotiations is “One option” that will increase pressure But you should discuss this matter with the Thai government first
Mr. Schmidt, a veteran politician. He served in the German parliament and had been a member of the European Parliament for 16 years, he told BBSE Thailand that he was unhappy with the government’s response. And it will increase the pressure on the Foreign Ministry and go to the European Union to suspend free trade talks. With a call to the Council of the European Union Who is currently the President of Germany And the European Parliament too
“The EU should support the process of realization of democracy. Adding pressure to the root of the problem in this way “, announced the former deputies of the European Parliament 2004-2009.
Thailand had started four free trade talks with the EU in 2013, but stopped in 2014 after the coup. And most recently in October 2019 The Council of the European Union has passed a resolution that will continue to prepare for the reactivation of free trade talks with Thailand.
Ms. Oramon Subthawitham Director General, Department of International Trade Negotiations The Ministry of Commerce announced on October 9 this year that it plans to prepare to reactivate the free trade negotiations between Thailand and the EU. Giving the Future Studies Institute for the development of studies, benefits and impacts Expected to be completed and published later this month Ready to hear the opinions of relevant sectors On the readiness and attitude of the Thai negotiations the cabinet considers them this December
Image source, https://www.frithjof-schmidt.de
Free trade agreement How important is Thailand-EU for Thailand?
Information from the Department of International Trade Negotiations Ministry of Commerce From the seminar “Is Thailand Prepared to Reactivate FTA Negotiations between Thailand and the EU?”
- The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with 27 EU countries (excluding the UK) reduces tariffs on both sides of all goods.
- It will help the Thai economy expand by 1.28% or an estimated value of around 2.05 billion baht.
- Thailand’s exports to the EU will increase by 2.83% or 2.16 billion baht, and imports from the EU by 2.81% or 2.09 billion baht.
- Thai export products have the opportunity to expand, such as motor vehicles and parts. Electronic device Clothing and textiles Food products, chemicals, rubber and plastics
- Concerns about improving intellectual property protection standards related to access to new drugs and plant protection It is an issue that Thailand must take careful decisions to resolve concerns and prepare for strict negotiation.
- In 2019, Thailand-EU trade was valued at US $ 38,227.93 million, or 7.92% of Thai and global trade.
- Thailand exports of goods to the EU US $ 19,735.86 million, major products such as computers, accessories and auto parts, equipment and spare parts Jewelry and gems Air conditioners and rubber components AND products
- Thailand imported US $ 18,492.07 million from the EU, major products such as machinery and components Electrical, chemical, pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical machinery and components AND automotive components and equipment
- From January to June 2020, it has a total commercial value of $ 16,233.49 million, with exports from Thailand of $ 8,506.39 million and imports of $ 7,727.10 million.
Image source, Reuters
Computers, equipment and components are one of Thailand’s main exports to the EU.
Schmidt, who has been a member of the German parliament since 2009, said the EU’s return to free trade negotiations with Thailand was due to initial signs of a return to democracy. But as time goes by, not like this
“Even with a new constitution But the army also sent its own people to parliament. Past electoral processes The opposition party was limited to the campaign. And despite the great success in the elections The Future Forward Party must be dissolved, I think that the ruling of the seizure of power has not yet taken the country democratically … I want to support the movement for democracy in Thailand “
As part of a question to the Minister for Foreign Affairs that appeared on Mr. Schmidt’s website,
“Large rallies have been held in Thailand on numerous occasions over several months. Most are young people who have taken to the streets demanding rights, freedom, democracy and the end of the military regime. The prerogative of the monarch is questioned. Before this, the criticism of a monarch or the monarchy was forbidden in the country. The rulers of Thailand are cracking down on protesters. Meanwhile … I spent most of my time in luxury hotels in Bavaria. “
Image source, Reuters
A corner of a large house in Germany that Thai protesters abroad believe to be Her Majesty’s residence
“Strange behavior”
On Wednesday, Schmidt asked the secretary of state in the House of Commons: “Why does the German government tolerate such strange behavior?” Which, in my opinion, is illegal Where the heads of other countries operate politics in the mainland of Germany
“We make it clear that any political action in Thailand must not come from German territory” was the reply given by Mr. Maas, adding: “If any of our country’s guests take action in our country, They will certainly oppose to her “.
Mr Schmidt told the Thai BBC that the reason he had to ask the Foreign Minister like this was because he understood that Germany’s visa regulations state that the head of a foreign country can reside in Germany as an individual. But unable to manage the administration of his own country from Germany
“He must obey the laws of our country. The heads of other countries cannot administer government services from Germany. And there is no doubt that he is the head of the country.”
Image source, Frithjof Schmidt
Denied “has been pressed”
Regarding the allegations that He was pressured by Thai political groups for the matter. Schmidt, who had visited Thailand as the ASEAN Committee of the European Parliament, said he had met with the Thai community in Germany to discuss the matter. But his move was made as a German politician in a European political context interested in the democratic process in ASEAN.
“I am sitting in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Parliament, I was a member of the European Parliament. That they are on the committee that visited many ASEAN countries And I am particularly interested in Thailand “
Image source, fake images
