Bangkok: Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, has called on the Thai government to reveal the details of its agreement with the United States concerning rare earth minerals. He emphasized the importance of transparency and highlighted three key precautions to prevent the US from monopolizing the agreement.
According to Thai News Agency, Abhisit addressed the potential impacts of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the US during an interview at the Democrat Party headquarters. He stated that while the agreement presents a significant opportunity for Thailand to join the global supply chain, the government must exercise caution to ensure equitable benefits and consider environmental impacts. Abhisit stressed that Thailand should avoid entering an MOU that could lead to a monopoly by the US, noting that other countries, particularly China, are also interested in collaborating with Thailand. He underscored the need for Thailand to maintain a balanced relationship with both the US and China.
When questioned about the government's previous disclosure of the agreement, Abhisit acknowledged that while the overall MOU and cooperation framework had been made public, critical details requiring public awareness were still lacking. He urged the government to involve the public in detailed negotiations and implementation phases, as many stakeholders and sectors might be affected.
Abhisit further remarked that sectors impacted by the agreement have not yet had the chance to voice their concerns. He insisted on the necessity of a clear reparations plan and a transition period for those adversely affected. He criticized the government for focusing only on those affected by tax cuts, without addressing the broader trade-offs required to achieve such reductions. Abhisit called for urgent government action to clarify the facts and promote participation in detailed negotiations.
When asked about Thailand's history of rare earth mineral mining, Abhisit noted that while other regional countries possess these minerals, only Australia currently has agreements in place. He criticized the Prime Minister's simplistic response to the MOU, which was perceived as downplaying its significance. Abhisit emphasized the crucial role of the government in enabling public understanding and involvement moving forward.
Lastly, when questioned about bringing the matter to Parliament, Abhisit stated that trade agreements typically require parliamentary approval. He noted that the legal requirements of the MOU would need to be reviewed to determine the necessary level of approval, involving both parliamentary and agency participation.