BANGKOK: International firms have high confidence to continue trading with Thailand, despite the military government, according to Thai trade officials overseas.

Srirat Rastapana, permanent secretary of the Commerce Ministry, said yesterday that Thai trade representatives in 66 overseas offices reported that foreign traders have seen no violence after the junta started running the country peacefully and effectively.

The ministry has assigned its trade counsellors abroad to send a letter to foreign traders in each country to improve their understanding of the situation here. They confirmed that trading has not been interrupted by or intervened in by the government. 

Thailand is still committed to trade liberalisation under the WTO and will continue to fulfill its obligations under trade agreements with Asean and other countries.

The overseas trade offices have sent letters of explanation to many parties, such as private enterprises, trade associations, the media and press, and government agencies.

With the clear policies of the National Council for Peace and Order to drive the economy, the domestic economy, export sector and investment will grow this year and next year.

Asean countries have shown a good understanding of Thailand’s situation. They have promised to continue cooperating with Thailand and continue trading with and investing in the country.

Some countries have expressed concern over the safety of travellers in Thailand during the curfew, but after the NCPO withdrew the curfew from some provinces, foreign countries will have more confidence and expect the curfew measure will be eventually cancelled, she added.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2014