The United States has expressed strong support for Thailand’s latest trade proposals, signaling growing momentum in bilateral economic relations. At the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent commended Thailand’s negotiation strategy, calling the proposals “outstanding” and indicative of a potentially productive trade partnership.
This development aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s directive for all agencies to unify under the “Team Thailand” approach. Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsub stated that a national trade policy team was formed on January 6, 2025, to drive these efforts forward.
Led by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, the Thai team introduced a five-point framework to guide discussions. The plan focuses on resolving raw material shortages in the food and agriculture sectors, updating import tariffs to balance competitiveness and domestic protection, removing non-tariff trade barriers, strengthening import screening to prevent third-party circumvention, and refining investment strategies in critical sectors like energy and petrochemicals.
The negotiations are a coordinated effort between the ministries of commerce, finance, and agriculture, along with the Board of Investment and private sector groups such as the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries. Officials aim to present data-driven proposals that reflect national interests and enhance long-term trade prospects with the United States.
