Thai coup dashes EU’s trade ambitions

The chances of concluding an ambitious free trade agreement (FTA) between the EU and Thailand, one of South-East Asia’s leading economies, looks more distant than ever as the new leader of the country said the military would stay in power for at least a year. General Prayuth Chan-Ocha announced, on 30 May, that no elections would be organised for at least 14 months without committing to a detailed calendar. The EU has expressed its "extreme concern" and urged Bangkok to…