 RESTRICTED  
  
S/C/W/456  
 
3 October  2023 
(23-6618) Page: 1/1 
Council for Trade in Services  Original: English  
 
COMMUNICATION FROM THAILAND  
REVIEW OF ARTICLE II (MFN) EXEMPTIONS  
Written answers by Thailand  to the questions from Hong Kong, China ,  
Japan and the Republic of Korea  (S/C/W/ 431) 
 
The following communication dated 2 October 2023, from the delegation of Thailand  is being 
circulated to the M embers of the Council for Trade in Services.  
 
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1  QUESTION  1 FROM HONG KONG, CHINA TO ALL MEMBERS (S/C/W/431 , PAGE 2) 
For each of the MFN exemptions listed in the Secretariat's sectoral compilation 
(JOB/SERV/29/Rev.2 ), we would appreciate it if all Members maintaining any MFN exemptions would 
respond to the following general questions:  
Please indicate whether the exemption has been used for any actual measure since the previous 
review in2016/17, and if so provide information on the use. If the exemption has not been used, 
please explain why the  conditions which created the need for the e xemption still prevail, and describe 
whether any action has been  taken or is being contemplated to eliminate such exemption. Please 
explain why if not.   
 
Answer from Thailand  
The exemptions reflect measures that are still in use (e.g. regional agreements a nd bilateral 
treaties), therefore the need for exemptions continues to prevail.  
 
2  QUESTION 145 FROM JAPAN   (S/C/W/431 , PAGE 1 7) 
Given the discussions in the past reviews, does Thailand have any plan to remove this exemption? 
If not, please explain the reason behind it.  
 
Answer from Thailand  
Thailand has included in the revised offer of the Doha round negotiations the possibility of eliminating 
the exemption. The removal of the exemption will be subject to the services negotiations conditional 
upon the overall outcome of the negotiations.  
 
3  QUESTION 149 FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA  (S/C/W/431 , PAGE 17) 
Regarding the reciprocity -based MFN exemption measures under aircraft repair and maintenance 
services, "Thailand will gran t permission to airlines of those countries which treat Thai carriers on 
reciprocal basis.", we wonder whether this exemption is based on any international agreements.  
 
Answer from Thailand  
The exemption is not based on any international agreement but policy on air transport.  
 
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