Challenges Concerning New Generation FTAs’ Labour Provisions: Perspective from Thailand

Abstract

Abstract Thailand is under consideration whether to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) along with four other ASEAN member states namely Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Moreover, the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), despite its halt in 2013, is expected to resume. This article aims to study the challenges regarding the labour provisions which form part of new generation FTAs to which Thailand may become a party. It will focus on the labour provisions in the CPTPP and the EU FTA model and examine the eventual impact on Thai labour law as well as suggest legal reforms in case Thailand decides to accede to the CPTPP and/or to conclude an FTA with the EU.