OPINION

Investor vs state interests debate heats up

News, Mutita Chuachang & Suluck Lamubol, Published on 16/07/2018

» Ahead of the 23rd round of negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) which will kickstart tomorrow in Bangkok and end on July 27, there has been growing concern over its investment chapters that will let foreign investors' benefits overrride public interests. The concern centres on the RCEP's inclusion of the controversial Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) mechanism which has prompted criticism and scrutiny worldwide.