Thailand Faces WTO Investigation

Source from:  Tobaccoreporter.com Nov 8, 2008 11/10/2008

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is set to investigate Thailand's treatment of imported cigarettes, reports The Guardian The Philippines has lodged a second request for a panel to look into what it calls discriminatory practices against cigarettes entering Thailand. Thailand had blocked the initial request to allow more time for talks to resolve the dispute, as is allowed under WTO rules. On the second request, a panel is launched automatically. The Philippines said it was seeking to ensure that imported cigarettes get fair treatment at the border and in the Thai market, which is dominated by the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly. Thailand says its customs and fiscal laws are fully consistent with WTO rules, and hoped to resolve the matter through bilateral talks. Enditem