Graph: Montly importation of urea in Thailand from 25-M05 (May) to 26-M02(February)

During the period 25-M09 to 26-M02, the decline in import value can be explained by several key factors. Firstly, seasonality plays an important role, as fertilizer demand in Thailand is typically concentrated during the main planting season (approximately May to August). As a result, demand naturally declines during the late-year to early-year period.

At the same time, volatile and relatively high fertilizer prices have led importers to adopt a “wait-and-see” approach. Importers tend to delay purchases due to concerns that importing at high prices could result in losses if market prices decrease afterward. In addition, domestic fertilizer inventories remain relatively high (around 900,000 tons), reducing the need for immediate imports during this period.

Regarding geopolitical factors, conflicts in regions such as the Middle East have had an indirect impact by disrupting logistics (e.g., shipping delays) and increasing energy costs. These factors have contributed to higher global fertilizer prices and greater market uncertainty, prompting Thai importers to act more cautiously and slow down import activities during the period.

(Bee)

50カ国以上、140を超える団体が加盟する世界的な市民社会ネットワーク「OECD Watch」は、その書簡 [1,2]の中で、タイが現在OECDのロードマップに基づく加盟条件とプロセスを達成するには程遠い状況にあると指摘した。

[1,2]

https://www.oecdwatch.org/oecd-watch-joins-letter-urging-reform-in-thailand-through-its-oecd-accession-bid/

https://www.oecdwatch.org/download/38443/?tmstv=1776839174

タイ工場局（DIW）が4月23日に主催する化学物質に関するOECDセミナーについて、主催者からの案内メールで参加者全員のメールアドレスが他の出席者に漏洩（丸見えの状態に）していることに気づき、唖然とした。

さらに、このメールアドレスの漏洩について苦情を入れたにもかかわらず、主催者からは一切の返答がない。これは、人権（プライバシー）の観点からOECD Watchの書簡の主張を裏付ける、典型的な事例と言えるかもしれない。

さらにさらに、セミナー聴講の再確認を求めるウェブ上のフォームでは、全ての組織名称が表れ、プルダウンで選択させるようになっていた。

すなわち、前述の電子メールの丸見えも偶然の産物では無さそうだ。

2030年以降にOECDへの加盟を果たしたとしても、それ以降でさえ、タイが自国の化学物質規制システムを根底から刷新していくには、まだまだ長い道のりになりそうだ。

とはいえ、OECD加盟プロセスを通して、タイが粉骨砕身して事に当たれば、旧来の考え方を変えることができるのではないか。

December 9^th, 2025

OECD Watch, a global civil society network with more than 140 members in over 50 countries pointed out on its letter [ 1,2] that Thailand was presently far from achieving terms, conditions and process for accession under the Roadmap of OECD.

[1,2]

https://www.oecdwatch.org/oecd-watch-joins-letter-urging-reform-in-thailand-through-its-oecd-accession-bid/

https://www.oecdwatch.org/download/38443/?tmstv=1776839174

I was extremely surprised to find that the email addresses of all the participants were exposed to the attendees in an email from the organizer of a seminar on chemicals, which will be hosted on April 23^rd by The Department of Industrial Works (DIW).

On top of that, the organizer has not responded to my complaint about the exposure of attendees' email addresses.

To make matters worse, the online form to reconfirm attendance listed the names of all participating organizations, requiring attendees to select theirs from a drop-down menu. This suggests that the earlier email leak was likely no accident.

That might be a typical example that supported the letter by OECD Watch on the aspect of human rights and privacy.

 After becoming an OECD member in 2030 or later, Thailand will still have a long way to go to renovate its chemical regulatory system.

I do believe that Thailand can change its mind set through the accession processes with OECD.

[3] https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/implementing-the-oecd-framework-for-industry-s-net-zero-transition-in-thailand_b9978679-en.html

On April 23rd, a full-day seminar will be held in Bangkok to facilitate Thailand's accession preparations through the framework of the OECD Chemicals and Biotechnology Committee.

Following the submission of its Letter of Intent to the OECD in 2024, the Thai government is currently undergoing the formal review process in accordance with the "Accession Roadmap." To secure membership, Thailand must align its regulatory standards with those of the OECD Chemicals and Biotechnology Committee.

Key requirements include:

• Mutual Acceptance of Data (MAD): Establishing a legal framework to recognize OECD-compliant GLP data.

• Quantitative Risk Assessment: Developing an evaluation system covering all chemical substances, beyond the scope of specific hazardous materials.

As the current Hazardous Substance Act (HSA) cannot address these requirements, the long-stalled "Chemical Act" is now being revitalized and aligned with OECD standards.

Key highlights of the seminar will be available on this website.

―4月23日(木)、OECD化学物質・バイオテクノロジー委員会の枠組みを通じたOECD加盟準備に向け、バンコク都内で終日、開催されます。―

タイ政府は2024年、OECDへLetter of Intent（加盟意向書）を「提出し、現在は「加盟ロードマップ」に沿った審査プロセスにあります。

OECDに加盟するためには、化学物質関連においてもOECD化学委員会（Chemicals and Biotechnology Committee）の基準を満たす必要があります。

 例えば、

• データの相互受け入れ: OECD認定のGLPデータを受け入れる法的枠組み。 
• 化学物質の定量的リスク評価: 特定の有害物質だけでなく、全化学物質を対象とした評価体制。

これらは現行の有害物質法（Hazardous Substance Act）では対応しきれないため、長らく進捗が見られなかった化学品法（Chemical Act）をOECD基準に合わせ込むため、全面的な見直しが必要になったと考えられます。

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