On February 4, 2025, Mr. Maitree Sutapakul, Chairperson of the Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) along with  Asst. Prof. Visanu Vongsinsirikul, Ph.D., Secretary-General of TCCT led TCCT delegates in MOU signing ceremony between the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the Trade Competition Commission of Thailand (TCCT) at the PCC Office in Quezon City, Philippines. This delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Michael Aguinaldo, Chairperson of the PCC,  Mr. Kenneth Tanate, Executive Director of the PCC, and PCC members.

This MOU represents such progress in the competition policy framework under the ASEAN Economic Community. Also, it marks the TCCT’s first international MOU to enhance global cooperation and to ensure Thailand’s legal framework aligning with international standards.

TCC Chairman emphasized in his opening remarks that competition fosters improvements in product quality, efficiency, and innovation, consequently benefiting consumers and the economy as a whole. To develop the competitive environment, a competition regime is an essential tool in preventing anti-competitive behaviours and promoting competition in markets. Particularly in the present, cross-border cooperation is essential in reinforcing economic resilience in the interconnected global economy.

 On the subject of this MOU, both agencies have committed to exchanging information with conditions of confidentiality, coordinating enforcement, and collaborating against anti-competitive practices that could restrict or thwart competition of either country. Moreover, it helps facilitating academic cooperation, personnel exchanges, and training programs.

The TCCT Secretary-General further noted that this MOU establishes a stronger foundation for tangible progress and fosters deeper cooperation in competition law enforcement and policy development. For the foreseeable future, TCCT and PCC will work together to achieve the objectives of the MOU.