Thailand to begin trade talks with US — high-level negotiations underway
BANGKOK: Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa has confirmed that the United States is now ready to enter formal trade talks with Thailand, following Washington's earlier imposition of 36% reciprocal tariffs on Thai exports.
Speaking at Government House on Friday, Maris announced that the Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C. had informed him that the US government is prepared to move forward with trade negotiations. The talks aim to resolve the recent tariff hike and restore balance in bilateral trade relations.
He added that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered an expedited process to set a meeting date. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira will lead the Thai delegation in discussions with three key US agencies:
Scott Bessent, US Secretary of the Treasury
Howard Lutnick, US Secretary of Commerce
Jamieson Greer, US Trade Representative (USTR)
'We were notified yesterday by our embassy in Washington. The Prime Minister has since directed us to coordinate swiftly and schedule talks as soon as possible,' Maris said.
Although a final date for the negotiations has not yet been confirmed due to the need to align the schedules of all three U.S. agencies, initial signals from the USTR indicate a readiness to engage. The USTR has expressed interest in Thailand's proposed trade package, viewing it as a constructive step forward.
Maris added that once talks with these three agencies are complete, no further negotiations with additional US bodies will be necessary, as they represent the full authority of the US government in trade matters.
"Whichever agency is available first, we will begin talks immediately to ensure speed and efficiency," he said. - The Nation/ANN
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Thai PM thanks Anwar for offer to assist in border dispute
A royalist activist holds a Thai flag as he protests in front of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, following a recent clash at the Thailand-Cambodia border on May 28, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, June 6, 2025. - Reuters BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said she has discussed the Thai-Cambodia border situation with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a phone conversation on Friday (June 6). She said Anwar has expressed readiness to assist both sides in resolving the dispute. "Thank you, PM Anwar Ibrahim, for the call this afternoon to discuss the Thai - Cambodian border situation and to express readiness to help both sides to resolve the matter. "I reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to a peaceful resolution through existing bilateral mechanisms, while safeguarding our sovereignty in accordance with international law,' she said on her official X account on Friday. Malaysia as the current Asean chair, is understood to be closely monitoring developments on the border issue. Earlier Friday, Paetongtarn, after chairing the National Security Council meeting, announced that Thailand had established a special task force to address security concerns along its border with Cambodia. She said the army had been assigned to coordinate operations and maintain readiness to respond to any developments, prioritising the protection of sovereignty while safeguarding international relations to ensure national security. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Supreme Commander General Songwit Noonpakdee, National Security Council Chief Chatchai Bangchuad and the military's commanders-in-chief. On May 28, Thai and Cambodian troops were involved in a brief gunfight in Thailand's north-eastern Ubon Ratchathani province and Cambodia's northern Preah Vihear province, where one Cambodian soldier was reportedly killed. Cambodia has since announced its intention to bring the border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Meanwhile, the two neighbours have agreed to discuss the issue through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), scheduled to meet in Phnom Penh on 14 June. - Bernama
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia supports June 14 Thailand-Cambodia border talks
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia supports the measures taken by Thailand and Cambodia in addressing the border dispute involving both countries. Anwar said that Malaysia, as the Chair of ASEAN 2025, is prepared to follow the development of the negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia that is slated for June 14, in addition to providing the cooperation required in the talks. 'I spoke with both the Prime Ministers (of Thailand and Cambodia)... they have taken several measures that we support, namely the June 14 talks regarding the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute. 'I'm ready to follow and provide the cooperation (that is) required. So far, both governments have taken the stance of continuing negotiations amicably,' he told the media after performing the solat sunat Aidiladha with about 15,000 congregants at Masjid Putra here today. On May 28, Thai and Cambodian troops were involved in a brief skirmish in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province and Cambodia's Preah Vihear province, which reportedly resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Cambodia has since announced its intention to bring the border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Thailand, meanwhile, has reportedly reiterated its commitment to resolving the issue peacefully in accordance with international law, as well as existing agreements and memoranda with Cambodia. Following the tension, the two neighbours have agreed to discuss the issue through the Joint Boundary Commission scheduled to be held in Phnom Penh on June 14. This is expected to be a crucial step towards a peaceful long-term resolution between the two ASEAN neighbouring countries.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
M'sia supports Thailand-Cambodia border talks
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia supports the measures taken by Thailand and Cambodia in addressing the border dispute involving both countries. Anwar said that Malaysia, as the Chair of ASEAN 2025, is prepared to follow the development of the negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia that is slated for June 14, in addition to providing the cooperation required in the talks. 'I spoke with both the Prime Ministers (of Thailand and Cambodia)... they have taken several measures that we support, namely the June 14 talks regarding the Thailand-Cambodia border dispute. 'I'm ready to follow and provide the cooperation (that is) required. So far, both governments have taken the stance of continuing negotiations amicably,' he told the media after performing the solat sunat Aidiladha with about 15,000 congregants at Masjid Putra here today. On May 28, Thai and Cambodian troops were involved in a brief skirmish in Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province and Cambodia's Preah Vihear province, which reportedly resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier. Cambodia has since announced its intention to bring the border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Thailand, meanwhile, has reportedly reiterated its commitment to resolving the issue peacefully in accordance with international law, as well as existing agreements and memoranda with Cambodia. Following the tension, the two neighbours have agreed to discuss the issue through the Joint Boundary Commission scheduled to be held in Phnom Penh on June 14. This is expected to be a crucial step towards a peaceful long-term resolution between the two ASEAN neighbouring countries.
