Abstract:
The thesis examines Trade-Related Aspect of Investment Measures as generally defined by economists and as later included in the TRIMs which is one of the Uruguay Round Agreements. Three major measures are stipulated in TRIMs Agreement, i.e., local content requirement, export requirement and trade balancing requirement. The thesis also analyses effects of TRIMs Agreement on Thai economic law and how the law has to be amended to be in conformity with the GATT. The research findings show that export requirement and local content requirement are also under the scope of Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, provided that those measures are contingent upon an enterprises right to receive subsidies. Thailands investment measures, as a result of its import substitution policy in the past and of the current export oriented growth policy combined with that of the protection of domestic industry, fall under both TRIMs and Subsidies and Countervailing Measures Agreements. The Investment Promotion Act and Industry Act, particularly several of their subordinate legislations will have to be amended to be in conformity with both of the Uruguay Round Agreements. The amendments will have to take into account economic impact of each industrial sector which leads to a conclusion that some sectors will not be affected by lifting such investment measures where others need adjustment period as allowed, with limitation, under both agreements.