ABSTRACT
The last stage of a regime formation occurs when the translation of the international legal agreement takes place and begins to have observable legal effect – such as the ratification of an international agreement – an indication of the early effect of a regime on domestic institutions. Although ratification is often seen as a crucial step towards implementation, at times, the processes of ratification and implementation take place almost simultaneously. In the case of Thailand, for instance, the Cabinet approved the draft Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and agreed, in principle, to ratify the treaty on 4 June 2002. According to the Cabinet resolution, however, the ratification may only take place when the country is ready to implement and enforce the agreement. The initial processes of implementation, including the modification of domestic laws, occurred immediately thereafter. In other words, ratification of the agreement is dependent on the readiness of the individual country to carry out the international commitment at the domestic level. In a way, the Thai Cabinet’s resolution reflects the legal forces of international laws. The Thai government only commits itself when it is ready to meet the obligations set forth in the treaty.
