ASEAN-Korea FTA economic partnership: the case of Thailand and the problem of technical barriers to trade (TBT)

Intra ASEAN tariffs have been significantly reduced; however, non-tariff barriers (NTBs) such as Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) in each ASEAN country remain largely in effect. Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) as one of the most representive non-tariff measures have been actively implemented in recent years, not only for the protection of health, safety, and the environment but also to safeguard domestic industries. This study focused on analyzing the mechanisms of current TBT issues and challenges in the ASEAN region using qualitative research, with particular focus on Thailand. Interviews were conducted with private companies and government agencies involved in the Thai electronics and steel sectors. The current state of TBT in Thailand was carefully examined to better understand the industrial situation. TBT problems were assessed in the context of ASEAN integration challenges and responsibilities. Results determined the existence of three major TBT problems in the ASEAN region: (i) trade barriers; (ii) a technical innovation gap among 10 individual countries; (iii) the decision-making and negotiation process. This research could shed light on a direction of future Korea-ASEAN FTA-TBT negotiation issues through the case study of Thailand, which is the country with the most stringent TBT problem, in addition to gaining deep understanding of ASEAN.