Thailand Eyes Deal on ART Before US '301' Action, Says Supachai

Thailand's Commerce Minister Supachai has stated that negotiations between Thailand and the United States regarding the "ART" (Agreement on Intellectual Property Rights Protection Cooperation) are in their final stages, aiming for a resolution before the US initiates "Section 301" action. This ART agreement is designed to enhance the protection of intellectual property rights in Thailand, and its progress holds significant implications for Thailand's export industries. Supachai also indicated that a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Anutin is scheduled, during which he anticipates a final consensus will be reached to conclude the ART agreement. The US "Section 301" action, if invoked, could lead to retaliatory measures such as increased tariffs on Thai products, potentially causing considerable impact on the Thai economy. Therefore, the Thai government is attempting to avoid trade friction with the US by finalizing the ART agreement before such measures are imposed. Negotiations for the ART agreement have been ongoing for a considerable period, but recent developments suggest rapid progress. It is understood that the Thai government has been implementing measures to address US concerns, including strengthening its intellectual property enforcement system and intensifying crackdowns on counterfeit goods. These efforts are believed to have paved the way for the conclusion of the negotiations.