Thailand joins AFAC framework for ASEAN trade competition

MGR Online•Politics•1d ago

Reader Briefing

The Thai government is proposing the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Competition (AFAC) to the Cabinet to enhance fair trade standards in the region.

•Deputy Prime Minister Supajee Suthamphanthi approved the proposal for Thailand to join the AFAC framework.
•The proposal was submitted by the Ministry of Commerce through the Trade Competition Commission Office.
•AFAC aims to create a transparent, non-discriminatory, and fair business environment across ASEAN member states.
•Nine other ASEAN member states have already signed the AFAC framework.

Overview

•On September 15, 2026, Lalida Periswiwattana announced the government's move to promote fair trade competition in ASEAN.
•Deputy Prime Minister Supajee Suthamphanthi agreed for the Ministry of Commerce and the Trade Competition Commission Office to propose the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Competition (AFAC) to the Cabinet.
•The AFAC framework aims to handle anti-competitive behavior with cross-border impacts and support ASEAN economic integration.
•Lalida Periswiwattana stated that the agreement prioritizes small entrepreneurs and SMEs by promoting knowledge of competition laws.
•The AFAC framework establishes cooperation for law enforcement among member states while respecting national sovereignty and data confidentiality.
•Thailand can implement the agreement under the Trade Competition Act 2017 without needing new legislation.
•Lalida Periswiwattana stated that joining AFAC will raise Thai competition standards, build investor confidence, and increase the potential of Thai businesses in regional markets.
•The proposal designates the Minister of Commerce or an authorized representative to sign as the Thai representative, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handling the Full Powers documentation.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Read on MGR Online (Thai Version)View in Google Translate

Source: MGR Online (Original)

View Original Article

Key Quotes

Lalida Periswiwattana

"Fair competition does not only help consumers, but also helps Thai entrepreneurs, especially small ones and SMEs, to have opportunities to compete under clearer rules."

การแข่งขันที่เป็นธรรมไม่ได้ช่วยเฉพาะผู้บริโภค แต่ช่วยให้ผู้ประกอบการไทย โดยเฉพาะรายย่อยและ SME มีโอกาสแข่งขันภายใต้กติกาที่ชัดเจนมากขึ้น

Key Entities

Person

Lalida Periswiwattana(ลลิดา เพริศวิวัฒนา)

Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office.

Supajee Suthamphanthi(ศุภจี สุธรรมพันธุ์)

Deputy Prime Minister.

Organization

Ministry of Commerce(กระทรวงพาณิชย์)ℹ️

The ministry tasked with proposing the AFAC framework to the Cabinet.

Trade Competition Commission Office(สำนักงานคณะกรรมการการแข่งขันทางการค้า)

The office under the Ministry of Commerce that proposed the AFAC framework.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs(กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ)ℹ️

The ministry responsible for processing Full Powers documents for the AFAC agreement.

Policy

ASEAN Framework Agreement on Competition

A framework agreement aimed at creating a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment in ASEAN.

Law

Trade Competition Act 2017(พระราชบัญญัติการแข่งขันทางการค้า พ.ศ. 2560)

The law under which Thailand can implement its actions regarding the AFAC framework.