Thailand recalls its WTO representative after clash with India

Abu Dhabi: The allegations and comments against India in the WTO talks have proved costly for the Thai ambassador. Thailand has withdrawn its ambassador Pimchanok Wonkorpon Pitfield from WTO after clashing with India at the negotiating table.

This incident of confrontation between India and Thailand happened when during the talks on agriculture, the Pitfield openly accused India. Thailand said that India buys grains on subsidy from the public distribution system and then exports them. This is against the rules of world trade, he said.

India boycotted the representative of Thailand in protest against this statement. The Indian side is no longer participating in meetings where Thailand is present. The controversy escalated so much that now Thailand has had to recall its ambassador.

WTO is divided into two parts on agricultural subsidy and food security. Pitfield’s statement was welcomed by America, Canada and Australia. These are the same countries taht are blocking India’s proposal on agricultural matters.

India wants that the rules for determining agricultural subsidies for food security should be changed and a new formula for base year and evaluation should be implemented. India wants that a permanent solution should be found to this issue and developing countries can help their farmers. In the developed country, there is no consensus on any concession in this matter, the voice of opposition is shrill and there seems to be little hope of agreement.