Thailand should join the CPTPP for economic cooperation amid U.S. tariff policy shifts, urged Dhanin Chearavanont, senior chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group, emphasizing no reason to delay membership.
Key Points
- Tariff Impacts: The U.S. government’s tariff policy is impacting the global trading system, prompting conversations about trade agreements.
- CPTPP Recommendation: Dhanin Chearavanont, senior chairman of Thailand’s CP Group, urges Thailand to immediately join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
- Rationale for Joining: He emphasizes that there are no valid reasons for Thailand to refrain from participating, highlighting potential benefits from economic cooperation.
CP Group Chairman Advocates for Thailand’s Entry into CPTPP Pact
In a recent statement, senior chairman of CP Group, Dhanin Chearavanont, urged the Thai government to consider joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Speaking at a business forum in Bangkok, Chearavanont emphasized that membership could significantly bolster Thailand’s economic growth, facilitating increased trade and investment with member countries.
The CPTPP, which includes eleven nations such as Canada, Japan, and Australia, aims to reduce trade barriers and enhance economic cooperation. “Joining this pact would open new markets for Thai goods and services, thereby stimulating job creation and improving living standards,” Chearavanont remarked. He highlighted the shifting global trade landscape and the importance of proactive engagement in international trade agreements to address challenges posed by rising protectionism.
Thailand has been evaluating its position regarding the CPTPP since the previous administration expressed reservations about its implications for local industries. However, proponents like Chearavanont believe that the potential benefits outweigh the concerns. According to a 2021 report from the World Bank, Thailand could see a GDP increase of up to 1.7% by 2030 if it were to join the CPTPP.
Thailand’s participation in the CPTPP would not only strengthen its ties with key economies in the Asia-Pacific region but also position it as a more competitive player on the global stage.
As the Thai government weighs this critical decision, the outcomes of the CPTPP discussions will likely be pivotal in shaping the future of the nation’s economic landscape.
Citations: World Bank Report; Business Forum Statements. Thailand should join CPTPP pact, says CP Group senior chairman

