Controlling Dual-Use Items under the Context of International Security : A Legal Analysis and Policy Recommendations for Thailand
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Abstract
This article presents a legal perspective on dual-use items (DUI), which are goods and technologies with both civilian and military applications and pose potential risks related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The study critically examines several international regulatory frameworks, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (UNSCR 1540), the European Union Dual-Use Regulation, and national legislations from countries with established strategic trade control measures such as the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. These frameworks are analysed in comparison with Thailand’s current legal and policy framework, as the country seeks to develop a national control system aligned with global standards. The findings highlight the necessity of establishing well-integrated and effective legal and administrative mechanisms, with particular emphasis on the role of the private sector as exporters of goods and technologies in ensuring compliance with international obligations and enhancing national security from both strategic and commercial perspectives.
This article concludes with policy recommendations for establishing a legal foundation, strengthening regulatory oversight, and innovating public service delivery in enabling a comprehensive and sustainable implementation of strategic trade controls (STCs) in Thailand.
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