Thailand is set to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) this year, a newly formed bloc of 11 Pacific Rim nations excluding the US, says Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.

Speaking after a discussion with high-ranking officials of the Commerce Ministry yesterday, Mr Somkid ordered the ministry to speed up analysis of the CPTPP as soon  as possible so that Thailand could join the trade bloc within this year.

"CPTPP is much less rigid on medicine patents, a sticking point for Thailand in the original TPP," he said.

Thailand will seek support from Japan to help Thailand become a member of the new trade bloc.

This has been excerpted from the 30 March 2018 edition of the Bangkok Post and is available in its entirety at:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1437386/somkid-thailand-eyes-becoming-cptpp-member