Steer clear of free-trade deal

It would be a mistake for the government to rush in to any Thai-EU FTA deal without taking into consideration concerns for the bad consequences that could befall Thailand's citizens and consumers.

Prime Minister Yingluck should take into account Australian National University academics Peter Drahos and John Braithwaite, who caution that any bilateral deal between rich and poor countries must be carefully weighed.

The two academics warn: "Bilateralism is like cooking an elephant-and-rabbit stew. However you mix the ingredients, it ends up tasting like elephant."

Vint Chavala

Lamphun