Published on February 08, 2006

The Cabinet yesterday appointed a dark horse candidate – Commerce Permanent Secretary Karun Kittisataporn – as chief negotiator for the Thai-US free trade agreement for the upcoming seventh round of talks.

Karun on Monday emerged as the potential new chief, beating frontrunner ex-commerce minister Narongchai Akarasanee.

The government made the appointment quickly as it needed to abide by a tight schedule, if it was to sign a trade pact this May, before US facilities for the agreement expire in June.

Yesterday’s appointment prompted Karun to hold a press conference to explain to the public what he proposes to do on the vital bilateral trade matter.

An expert negotiator, Karun had served as chief negotiator of the Thai-Australia free trade agreement, a pact that has been concluded and implemented.

The sixth round of Thai-US FTA talk in Chiang Mai last month sparked heavy protests and led to the resignation of former chief negotiator Nitya Pibulsonggram.

“I’m a civil servant and I must adhere to discipline. How can I violate the government’s command? I will work on any task that benefits society and the Kingdom,” he said. “If I disregard the government [order], I have to resign.

“I’m not worried about how hard the job is because I love my work,” he said.

Karun said he would not make any changes to the negotiation team or to the negotiating pattern. He would call for a meeting with concerned officials soon.

However, both sides have not yet fixed a date or venue for the next round of talks.

As chief negotiator, Karun said he would work closely with state agencies, the private sector and non-governmental organisations.

Achara Pongvutitham, Petchanet Pratruangkrai The Nation

By The Nation On 8 Feb 2006

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