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
