Thailand has decided to replace its Ambassador to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Pimchanok Vonkorpon Pitfield, following a strong protest from India regarding her contentious remarks on New Delhi’s rice procurement program. The decision to recall Pitfield comes after India formally registered its protest with the Thai government, citing inappropriate language and behavior during a WTO consultation meeting.
The controversy arose during the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO when Pitfield accused India of utilizing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for rice procurement not for public welfare but to gain an upper hand in the export market. In response, India expressed strong opposition to these remarks, leading to the Thai Ambassador’s replacement. The move comes amidst heightened tensions and underscores the delicate nature of international trade discussions.
India, a significant player in global rice exports, clarified that only about 40% of the paddy produce is procured by the government to fulfill domestic food security commitments. The comments made by Pitfield were deemed inaccurate, prompting India to lodge its protest not only with the Thai government but also with WTO Chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the agriculture committee chair from Kenya, and the UAE.
The replacement of the Thai Ambassador highlights the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue in international trade discussions and the sensitivity surrounding diplomatic statements that could impact bilateral relations between nations.
