Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - April 29, 2008
Woranuj Maneerungsee
Thailand is among a handful of countries being closely watched by US trade authorities.
Visiting US under-secretary of commerce Christopher Padilla is optimistic that the elected government of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will step up its fight against pirated products and violations of other intellectual property rights.
On the compulsory licensing issue, the office responsible for international trade said the previous government did not strictly follow World Trade Organisation regulations on the matter.
"HIV-Aids and cancer are terrible diseases, but they are not pandemic," Mr Padilla said referring to Thailand's decision to use compulsory licensing on drugs for the two diseases.
The government should have properly consulted US pharmaceutical companies before issuing the compulsory licensing policy, he said.
US drug manufacturers want to hold another round of talks with Thailand so they can offer low-cost medicines, added Mr Padilla who flew into Bangkok with a delegation of leading US businessmen to celebrate 175 years of Thai-US bilateral ties.
Mr Padilla has proposed a joint action plan between the two countries to tackle the problems, similar to what the US did with Egypt. Its success would lead to Thailand's removal from the Priority Watch List, he said.
"I am confident that this can be done in the spirit of friendly cooperation that has long characterised our relationship," he said.
Although Thai officials and police have done a good job in suppressing intellectual piracy, that was not enough, he added.
Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama welcomed the idea, saying experts from the two countries will meet in Washington soon to talk about future cooperation on intellectual property issues.
Having been put on the list under the so-called Special 301 section of US trade law means Washington can take trade action against countries on the list if they fail to show improvements in intellectual property protection.
But Pamont Sutheewong, chairman of the Board of Trade of Thailand, did not expect Thailand being put on the Priority Watch List to have any impact on the country's exports to the US.
080429
BP080408
Copyright © 2008 - The Bangkok Post. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Bangkok Post.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .