OPINION

Advancing Asean

Re: "7 Moves to shape 'Future Ready Asean'", (Opinion, Oct 15).

In proposing the analysis of the "7 moves" to shape Future Ready Asean, columnist Kavi Chongkittavorn has overlooked certain features which characterise the Asean nations. To start with, each Asean member state has a unique history behind its socio-economic, religio-political fabric and as such, Asean leaders have to be willing to foster unity in vision and solidarity to address regional and global problems if Asean is to be relevant at all.

Moreover, agriculture with rice as the leading cash crop in Asean is an economic strength which cannot be taken for granted. Trading with other regional blocs and world powers needs to factor in the competitive advantages of Asean agrarian trade trajectories.

The idea of peace and democracy in Myanmar needs to be tempered by the country's complex history of ethnic tribes and indigenous groups which are hard to appease, let alone bring to an even playing field of negotiated settlements. The Dragon Wars, by ATQ Stewart, are a must-read for any "wannabe successful" peacemakers

Regional rivalry

Re: "US' protectionist trade policies are backfiring", (Opinion, Oct 14) & "Balancing geopolitics", (Business, Oct 14).

The ongoing global trade imbalance and restrictions have stemmed from rising geopolitical tensions and inundation of cheap goods imported from China -- the world's second-biggest economy saddled with an ageing population, an ill-fated one-child policy, and industrial overcapacity.

Over the past five years, we have seen higher trade barriers like anti-dumping measures implemented to shield certain domestic manufacturers and level the playing field, under the banner of "national security". Yet such anti-free trade moves could be counterproductive and jeopardise the efficient allocation of limited productive resources, hampering overall growth in favour of a select few industries.

One should also consider if the restrictive trade policies could unfairly narrow down a list of choices for consumers. For Thailand, many SMEs would be adversely affected if sub-standard foreign products flood the market, but they won't prevail if Thai SMEs continue to strive to offer quality products at a competitive price. If this is not the case, something is very wrong here.

It is a worrying sign, though, especially at a time when the government with a protectionist mindset forges ahead with restrictive anti-competitive trade policies, which could lead to a further spike in prices and global supply chain disruption, dampen consumer spending, deter foreign capital investment, and lower productivity with too many unprofitable players in the market.

Thailand, still half-way through the FTA with developed economies, should accelerate the process and prepare for even higher international trade standards. Being part of these trade blocs and strategically investing in human resources, Thailand may be able to enhance competitiveness with a marked increase in trade and capital flows, seeing a surge in FDI in a sustainable manner. Otherwise, Thailand may be gradually eclipsed by its rivals in the region.

Hippo rescue

Re: "Holiday queues grow for celebrity Moo Deng", (BP, Oct 13).

This unfortunate beast is providing an excellent diversion for the public from things that really matter here, which are too numerous to cite. Many politicos must be heaving a sigh of relief and chuckling at the same time at the proletariat's distraction from current affairs. Or maybe the latter are fed up at the futility of bothering about things beyond their control, preferring the Moo Deng pygmy hippo's ascendancy instead.