European Union
EU restores full political contacts with Thailand
The Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union agreed to gradually resume all political re-engagement with Thailand and to possibly restart free trade talks with the country, now that the junta confirmed the general election will be held in November.

in its latest release, The Council reaffirms the importance it attaches to EU relations with Thailand and reiterates its call for the urgent restoration of the democratic process in Thailand
through credible and inclusive elections and the respect for human rights and fundamental
freedoms.
The Council reiterated its call for the urgent restoration of the democratic process in Thailand through credible and inclusive elections and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Political and civil rights and liberties have been severely curtailed in Thailand following the 2014 military coup. Freedom of expression and assembly remains highly restricted. Civil society activists and human rights defenders continue to face judicial harassment. The Council stressed the importance of such basic freedoms being restored in Thailand.
In the conclusions, the Council notes however a number of recent steps taken by the Thai authorities. It welcomes in particular the statement of the Head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) on 10 October 2017 that the general election would be held in November 2018.
In the light of these encouraging developments, the Council considers it appropriate to pursue gradual political re-engagement with Thailand.
The Council decided to resume political contacts at all levels with Thailand in order to facilitate meaningful dialogue on issues of mutual importance, including on human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the road towards democracy. The EU and its member states will make full use of such contacts to raise these issues of concern.
The Council looks forward to the progressive deepening of relations with Thailand following the holding of credible and inclusive elections and improvements in the human rights situation. The EU looks to the Thai authorities to ensure a political environment in which opposition parties and civil society can function freely.
In the conclusions, the Council also invites the Commission to explore with Thailand the possibilities for resuming talks on an EU-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Asean
ASEAN Overtakes EU to Become China’s Top Trading Partner in Q1 2020
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) became China’s largest trading partner in the first three months of 2020, surpassing both the EU and the United States.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) became China’s largest trading partner in the first three months of 2020, surpassing both the EU and the United States.
(more…)European Union
EU donates €350 million to fight Covid-19 in ASEAN countries
EU mobilises €350 million to assist the ASEAN region in fight against the coronavirus

As part of its plan to support partner countries around the globe, the European Union (EU) is mobilising €350 million to fight against the spread of the coronavirus and mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the ASEAN region.
(more…)European Union
EU to revive free trade talks with Thailand
Free trade talks between Thailand and the EU started in 2013 but were put on hold after the 2014 military coup that ousted the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra.

The 14th Senior Officials’ Meeting between the European Union and Thailand took place in Brussels on 16 October 2019
(more…)-
Forex1 week ago
Leverage from Forex Brokers & How Beginners Can Benefit from It
-
National4 days ago
Human trafficking cases in Thailand hit decade low due to COVID-19
-
Economics4 days ago
Thai economy to grow 4% in 2021 following 6.5% decline in 2020
-
Banking6 days ago
Can Fintech drive a strong post-COVID-19 recovery in Asia?