Politics Thai PM Paetongtarn Laments Lost Chance for Thaksin-Trump Economic Chat

[webfact]

AP File Photo/Wason Wanichakorn

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently voiced her regret over a lost chance for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to engage in crucial tariff discussions with US President Donald Trump.

 

The chance was eliminated when the Criminal Court declined Thaksin’s request to fly to Qatar for a dinner event on 14 May, where he could have potentially met Trump and his economic team. This meeting was anticipated to provide a platform for dialogue on bilateral trade matters.

 

Paetongtarn reaffirmed Thailand's eagerness to begin negotiation talks with the United States at the opportune moment. A proposal had already been forwarded to the US the week prior, with talks having been in motion among representatives at different tiers, including meetings with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and at the ministerial level. These talks highlighted Thailand's keenness for closer trade relations.

 

Reflecting on the court's decision, Paetongtarn stated the instance as a missed opportunity for direct engagement between Thaksin and President Trump.

 

Highlighting a long-standing acquaintance between Trump and Thaksin from Trump’s initial presidency, she noted, "Their meeting and exchange of ideas could have been incredibly beneficial for the nation." This personal rapport could have unlocked new avenues for bilateral trade collaboration and economic alliances.

 

The Prime Minister further shed light on concerns regarding a previous US decision to suspend visas for Thai officials.

 

This was a response to Thailand’s repatriation actions of Uyghurs to China. Paetongtarn mentioned the need to check on the status of this suspension, yet confidently insisted that ongoing negotiations ought not to be affected.

 

In summary, Thailand remains resolute in pursuing trade negotiations with the US, in spite of the recent hurdles.

 

The government's proactive approach in engaging US officials underlines its commitment to fostering an amicable and robust economic relationship. Meanwhile, monitoring the visa implications will remain a priority as talks continue.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-05-14

 

 

[dinsdale]

22 minutes ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently voiced her regret over a lost chance for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to engage in crucial tariff discussions with US President Donald Trump.

Re-write: Puppet Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently voiced her regret over a lost chance for former Prime Minister Puppet Master Thaksin Shinawatra to engage in crucial tariff discussions with US President Donald Trump.

[Geoffggi]

24 minutes ago, webfact said:

Reflecting on the court's decision, Paetongtarn stated the instance as a missed opportunity for direct engagement between Thaksin and President Trump.

 

 

I was under the impression that the direct engagement should be between Thailand & Preseident Trump not Thaksin no other person capable of these discussions 👀🙄

[watchcat]

32 minutes ago, Geoffggi said:

 

I was under the impression that the direct engagement should be between Thailand & Preseident Trump not Thaksin no other person capable of these discussions 👀🙄

 

Your right but the puppet needs a puppeteer to work.

[ozz1]

She can't do anything without daddy's approval  just pick up the phone and call promise him a happy ending

[Gottfrid]

1 hour ago, Geoffggi said:

 

I was under the impression that the direct engagement should be between Thailand & Preseident Trump not Thaksin no other person capable of these discussions 👀🙄

How wrong it might be, as he should not even be let near politics no more. He is actually the guy who have the best chance in international negotiations. You are right, unfortunately again, there are not many capable of doing such negotiations in Thailand.

[phetphet]

Why didn't she go herself?

[Bert got kinky]

13 minutes ago, phetphet said:

Why didn't she go herself?

 

I believe that Trump wanted to talk with the boss and not the messenger.

 

[ikke1959]

I think that the PM is not aware of her duties..... It should be the PM that had to talk with Trump in stead sending her daddy, who is not a part of the Government at all... So if she is not capable of doing her duty she should be step down or being replaced