EU decides to restore political relations with Thailand

BANGKOK, Dec 12 (TNA) -- The European Union resolved to restore its political relations with Thailand, revive free trade negotiation and call for the next election in November 2018. The resolution announced on Dec 11 came from EU foreign ministers along with demands for human rights, basic liberty and democratization in Thailand. In the resolution, the EU ministers stated the EU would slowly restore political relations with Thailand and it recognised Thailand’s roles as the coordinator for the EU-ASEAN Dialogue Relations. It also intended to resume free trade negotiations with Thailand. It called for immediate restoration of democratic government through a reliable election. On the same occasion it expressed its concern on political and civil rights and threats against activists. It said it would continue to support people’s organisations and rights activists. The EU demanded the Thai government stage the next election in November next year as the prime minister already announced. The EU also asked the government not to try civilians’ legal cases in a military court. It said it would sign partnership, cooperation and free trade agreements with a Thai civilian government to be elected under the new constitution. (TNA)