File photo for reference only

 

Thailand faces a major economic challenge as US President Donald Trump announced a 36% tariff on Thai imports. Dr. Santitarn Sathienthai, a member of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee, suggests the urgent creation of a “war room” to tackle the potential economic fallout.

 

Posting on Facebook, Dr. Santitarn, an adviser to the Thailand Development Research Institute, described the tariffs as an economic "earthquake" with severe global aftershocks. Many countries could erect tariff barriers, leading to deteriorating global trade.

 

The American market has become restrictive, making exports difficult. Consequently, countries, including Thailand, are keen to shift focus to other markets, intensifying competition. Goods from other regions might flood Thailand, complicating the economic landscape.

 

 

 

Although Vietnam faces a steeper 46% tariff, the Thai economy might see delayed investment from Chinese firms avoiding the US-China trade conflict. Negotiations could alter tariff levels, but the uncertainty is causing worldwide business hesitation, impacting investment immediately.

 

Dr. Santitarn warns that Trump's tariffs may impact Thailand's economy more than anticipated. He called for an urgent “war room” involving public and private sectors to strategize and mitigate risks. Businesses must adapt their strategies to identify opportunities amidst the crisis, as the economic impact might extend over the long term, reported Thai News Room.

 

-- 2025-04-03

 

 

Reduce the greedy protectionist tariffs and the numbers will come down - do nothing and there's plenty of scope for them to go up and match 100% like for like.

Right now they're getting a big discount - even with the new increased rate - the discount is there for when they think they can negotiate.

 

I read earlier that Vietnam already removed their tariffs in response to this.

So Vietnam is all set, in fact there's a growing list of countries who immediately reduced their tariffs.

3 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Businesses must adapt their strategies to identify opportunities amidst the crisis, as the economic impact might extend over the long term, reported The Thaiger.

 

Opportunity? Hub of Tariffs, of course.

They have know this for a long time and now..... they are just starting to think about what to do ??

is Thailand having a laugh

Time for a bit of a re-set. Protectionist tariffs will need to be reduced. 

Good!

 

The Thais need to stop being so deluded and realize exactly where they stand on the world stage.

Even the smartest Thais I know when compared to western educated men/women absolutely pale in comparison.

 

The Don.

9 minutes ago, Don Giovanni said:

Good!

 

The Thais need to stop being so deluded and realize exactly where they actually stand on the world stage.

 

The Don.

Thailand and the world stage .........

Thailand would be the guy in the gents toilets trying to massage the big boys shoulders while they're trying to take a pee.

9 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Thailand and the world stage .........

Thailand would be the guy in the gents toilets trying to massage the big boys shoulders while they're trying to take a pee.

Exactly.

 

A bunch of flunkies....

 

In other words, bleedin' useless!

 

The Don

32 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

He called for an urgent “war room” involving public and private sectors to strategize and mitigate risks.

 

Here's a thought.  Reduce the 72% tariffs being levied on American imports into Thailand.  You're still only getting half the rate.  I wouldn't be surprised (or disappointed) to see the 36% rate increase even more if there's no reciprocal movement.

 

 

 

 

What are they going to do.  Rise their own tariffs from 72% and take them even higher to "Show Trump A Thing Or Two!"  I guess the days of screwing the US with tariffs are over, and heck, he only hit them with 1/2 of the tariffs that they impose on the US.  Imagine if Trump raised tariffs on Thailand to match Thailand's average of 72% on US goods?

Again:

Drop the abnormal 300% import tax on cars.

 

Why everyone seems to think the tariffs are some sort of a crisis is beyond me.   The tariffs are reciprocal.  If a country doesn't like them, the solution is simple.  Stop putting tariffs on things from the USA. Problem solved.  

 

By this time next month, no one will be talking about tariffs. 

So we will be buying imported wine real cheap soon right?

9 minutes ago, jas007 said:

Why everyone seems to think the tariffs are some sort of a crisis is beyond me.   The tariffs are reciprocal.  If a country doesn't like them, the solution is simple.  Stop putting tariffs on things from the USA. Problem solved.  

 

By this time next month, no one will be talking about tariffs. 

It's not even reciprocal as such and countries have the chance to reduce their tariffs on US goods to negotiate a reduction on the initial tariffs Trump's set.

2 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

buying imported wine real cheap

 

Lets hope so.  

13 minutes ago, redwood1 said:

So we will be buying imported wine real cheap soon right?

I'm in Thailand and I buy wine anyway, even though the price is sort of ridiculous.  California wine that would cost $11 in the USA is 1000 baht here.  I can see a little bit for shipping, but 1000m baht per bottle?  Oh well. 

 

Someday, I'm going to price some really good wine and see what it costs.  

1 hour ago, ukrules said:

Reduce the greedy protectionist tariffs and the numbers will come down - do nothing and there's plenty of scope for them to go up and match 100% like for like.

Right now they're getting a big discount - even with the new increased rate - the discount is there for when they think they can negotiate.

 

I read earlier that Vietnam already removed their tariffs in response to this.

So Vietnam is all set, in fact there's a growing list of countries who immediately reduced their tariffs.

 

Do you have any sources to back this up, because the reports are that the  changes have failed to convince  the  USA. Vietnam made some changes like;

Tariffs on frozen chicken legs will be reduced from 20 per cent to 15 per cent, the rates on unshelled pistachios will be slashed from 15 per cent to 5 per cent, and for almonds, it will drop from 10 per cent to 5 per cent.  Hardly, the surrender you are suggesting. The changes were made prior to Trump's big plan, and it did nothing to minimize the impact. There is no "discount" for anyone. 

 

And just who are on the growing list of countries? 

 

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

Time for a bit of a re-set. Protectionist tariffs will need to be reduced. 

 

Which ones? Help me out here, what tariffs  does  Thailand impose that really impact imports from the USA?

https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/thailand-import-tariffs

 

High tariffs in many sectors continue to hinder access to the Thai market for many U.S. products.  The highest ad valorem tariff rates apply to imports competing with locally produced goods, including automobiles and automotive parts, motorcycles, beef, pork, poultry, tea, tobacco, flowers, beer and spirits, and textiles and apparel.  Wine imports are subject to a 54 percent tariff and six different taxes; taken together, the effective duty and tax burden is nearly 400 percent. Industry has raised concerns about the import tariffs on wine and disparate ad valorem taxes that appear to favor domestic white liquor.

Whats the Thai tarrif on wine these days? ah 54% and 300% on cars, but nobody ever calls them out on this

2 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

 

Which ones? Help me out here, what tariffs  does  Thailand impose that really impact imports from the USA?

Probably the tariffs on cars because, just like in Europe, if tariffs were dropped/reduced consumers would rush to get the fuel efficient handy-sized US cars.

I'm sure of it!

7 minutes ago, proton said:

Whats the Thai tarrif on wine these days?

I don't know. If there only was a way to find out by just opening a browser and searching for it life would be so much simpler, right?

8 minutes ago, BLMFem said:

Probably the tariffs on cars because, just like in Europe, if tariffs were dropped/reduced consumers would rush to get the fuel efficient handy-sized US cars.

I'm sure of it!

Thai car buyer thinking: Should I buy Honda, Toyota or Mazda vs Chevrolet or  Ford?  Tesla or BYD ? Hmm

1 hour ago, snoop1130 said:

Dr. Santitarn Sathienthai, a member of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee, suggests the urgent creation of a “war room” to tackle the potential economic fallout

 

No doubt that those officials who join this war room will get a fat payday.

 

Bdbdbd whats up doc.

30 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

 

Which ones? Help me out here, what tariffs  does  Thailand impose that really impact imports from the USA?

You're obviously baiting but here's some info.

High tariffs in many sectors continue to hinder access to the Thai market for many U.S. products.  The highest ad valorem tariff rates apply to imports competing with locally produced goods, including automobiles and automotive parts, motorcycles, beef, pork, poultry, tea, tobacco, flowers, beer and spirits, and textiles and apparel.  Wine imports are subject to a 54 percent tariff and six different taxes; taken together, the effective duty and tax burden is nearly 400 percent. Industry has raised concerns about the import tariffs on wine and disparate ad valorem taxes that appear to favor domestic white liquor.

https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/thailand-import-tariffs

Edit: Snap. Sorry @johng just saw your post after posting this. What this doesn't show is the 300% on vehicles.

 

2 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

You're obviously baiting but here's some info.

High tariffs in many sectors continue to hinder access to the Thai market for many U.S. products.  The highest ad valorem tariff rates apply to imports competing with locally produced goods, including automobiles and automotive parts, motorcycles, beef, pork, poultry, tea, tobacco, flowers, beer and spirits, and textiles and apparel.  Wine imports are subject to a 54 percent tariff and six different taxes; taken together, the effective duty and tax burden is nearly 400 percent. Industry has raised concerns about the import tariffs on wine and disparate ad valorem taxes that appear to favor domestic white liquor.

https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/thailand-import-tariffs

 

 

Hahah oops. 

Just now, dinsdale said:

You're obviously baiting but here's some info.

High tariffs in many sectors continue to hinder access to the Thai market for many U.S. products.  The highest ad valorem tariff rates apply to imports competing with locally produced goods, including automobiles and automotive parts, motorcycles, beef, pork, poultry, tea, tobacco, flowers, beer and spirits, and textiles and apparel.  Wine imports are subject to a 54 percent tariff and six different taxes; taken together, the effective duty and tax burden is nearly 400 percent. Industry has raised concerns about the import tariffs on wine and disparate ad valorem taxes that appear to favor domestic white liquor.

https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/thailand-import-tariffs

 

 

All alcohol is subject to taxes in Thailand. The USA was not singled out.

What automobiles manufactured in the USA does the USA. wish to export to the USA? Are any vehicles manufactured in the USA for markets like  Thailand, Japan, Singapore?

What textiles and apparel  does the USA even manufacture for export?

Tobacco? Seriously? You want favourable  status for.  poison?

The USA with the exception of the. unreliable Harley Davidson motorcycles doesn't manufacture motorcycles does it? Harley Davidson manufactures for the local Thailand market in Thailand. Good luck on building the cheap high labout intensive parts that Thailand provided, The USA will never be able to replace the  lower cost, better quality suppliers with competitive products.

Flowers? Since when has the USA ever exported flowers to any nation other than Canada?

27 minutes ago, BLMFem said:

I don't know. If there only was a way to find out by just opening a browser and searching for it life would be so much simpler, right?

 

Thats how I found out that BLM was a scam years ago 😆

War Room???

 

They couldn't organize a p!ss up on Soi 4!

 

The Don.