Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said today she is prepared to lead the Thai delegation to the US for tariff talks, after the Trump administration cancelled tomorrow’s appointment with the Thai delegation and asked Thailand to review its proposals.
She said that the head of the Thai delegation, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, will explain later about the US reservations, vis-à-vis Thailand’s trade proposals, adding that the postponement of the meeting will not be for too long, noting that there is a 90-day pause in the imposition of the reciprocal tariffs, of which 70 days remain.
As a sovereign state, Paetongtarn said the talks between Thailand and the US should be on an equal footing and be mutually beneficial.
Commenting on China’s threat that it may retaliate against countries which give in to the US, to the extent that it impacts Chinese interests, the prime minister said that she is aware of such a prospect, adding that Thailand must maintain a balance in its relationships with both the two super powers.
She offered an assurance that, for the time being, the tariff talks between Thailand and the US are not affecting Thailand, adding, however, that the government may have to make some adjustments once there is a clearer picture on the issue, particularly relating to Thai agricultural products.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Pichai claimed that the meeting with the US delegation was postponed because the Thai side does not want to rush into the talks, but does not want to be too slow either.
He said the Thai side wants to wait and see how the talks between the US and other countries transpire but, despite the postponement, officials at the Thai Embassy in Washington DC are still working on the matter.
He admitted that all countries will be affected by the US administration’s tariff policy, which is likely to upend the global trade system. Nonetheless, he said Thailand must take precautions to cope with the unpredictable while preparing to help businesses affected by the US trade war.
