Majority of Thais Doubt New Cabinet’s Ability to Cut Trump’s Tariffs

[webfact]

 

A majority of Thais are sceptical of the new Cabinet's ability to cut US tariffs. Suan Dusit University releases a poll indicating widespread doubts.

 

A Suan Dusit nationwide poll reveals stark doubt among Thais, with over half questioning the new Cabinet's ability to convince US President Donald Trump to reduce hefty retaliatory tariffs. From July 8 to 11, 1,191 respondents voiced their concerns, with the results unveiled this weekend.

 

Shocking figures from the poll suggest that 50.63% of respondents are not confident the government can tackle Trump's punitive tariffs, with only 28.97% hopeful of success and 20.4% undecided.

 

This sentiment is further echoed in their belief that Trump’s 36% tariffs could severely impact Thai products, with 50.04% expecting significant damage.

 

The performance expectation compared to its predecessor isn’t shining either. A substantial 41.56% of respondents foresee a decline, 35.01% remain unsure, while a hopeful 23.43% anticipate improvement. This pessimism casts a shadow on the Cabinet's start.

 

Priorities outlined by respondents for the new government highlight urgent economic and social issues. Addressing living costs and economic woes tops the list for 65.41%, followed by support for agriculture at 52.73%, battling corruption at 50.80%, education reform at 49.12%, and bureaucratic modernisation at 48.03%. The public's expectations underscore the pressing challenges faced by the administration.

 

Concerns about the new Cabinet mirror a deeper mistrust. A majority, 62.97%, worry about ministers' backgrounds, while 60.62% fear internal divisions could destabilise governance. Additionally, 57.35% feel the Cabinet is disconnected from everyday struggles, painting a complex picture of the challenges ahead.

 

The poll paints a vivid image of a public torn between scepticism and the desire for change, emphasising the new Cabinet’s uphill battle. With the significant issues outlined, only time will tell if Paetongtarn and her team can sway public opinion and tackle Trump’s tariffs effectively.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-07-14

 

 

[ozz1]

No surprise there most Thais have had enough of the elites and the squabbles from the government time for another election but too many people in power it won't happen unfortunately meanwhile the people suffer

[connda]

31 minutes ago, webfact said:

A Suan Dusit nationwide poll reveals stark doubt among Thais, with over half questioning the new Cabinet's ability to convince US President Donald Trump to reduce hefty retaliatory tariffs. From July 8 to 11, 1,191 respondents voiced their concerns, with the results unveiled this weekend.

The key term is "retaliatory tariffs" meaning the were put in place to counter Thai tariffs on US good.
Dear Thailand - drop your tariffs on US goods and the US will drop it's tariffs on Thai good.

 "We can't do that.  We must protect Thai goods."
 Then enjoy your Trump tariffs.  Smarten up!  

[Will B Good]

13 minutes ago, ozz1 said:

No surprise there most Thais have had enough of the elites and the squabbles from the government time for another election but too many people in power it won't happen unfortunately meanwhile the people suffer

 

I agree.

 

 

I think we can expect ever possible effort made to avoid an election....even to the extent of having/allowing/promoting a coup........

 

The last thing they can afford to creep in to the equation is democracy.

[impulse]

I don't question their ability to get a better tariff deal.  I question their will and their motives.

[spidermike007]

Trump appears to be a madman on a and rather idiotic crusade, and many of us know that he will not be bringing manufacturing back to America for a dozen good reasons.

 

There is no reasoning with this guy, as he does not possess any reason, you can try to compliment him to the point where exhaustion sets in, that's about the only thing that might work. If you don't appeal to his very fragile ego and insecurities, all bets are off. 

 

Thailand is better off doing what so many other nations are doing, and that is just looking for more reliable trading partners. 

[mfd101]

16 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Thailand is better off doing what so many other nations are doing, and that is just looking for more reliable trading partners. 

Well, yes. But looking at their own tariff structure would be the rational thing to do.

 

Mmmmm, what's the betting that won't happen? And what's the betting they won't find new trading partners either?

 

(Sorry. becoming a pessimist in old age.)

[rovinman]

5 hours ago, connda said:

The key term is "retaliatory tariffs" meaning the were put in place to counter Thai tariffs on US good.
Dear Thailand - drop your tariffs on US goods and the US will drop it's tariffs on Thai good.

 "We can't do that.  We must protect Thai goods."
 Then enjoy your Trump tariffs.  Smarten up!  

 

Do as Canada did, - BE SELECTIVE,   Go and find Customers elsewhere in the world, and SELECTIVELY,  put Tariffs on goods the Americans  Love  to sell to Thailand  !

[hotchilli]

The government want to continue to play their old game, sweet talk around the real issue and hope for the best outcome.

Tell USA they'll do everything then do nothing.

Well there's a new sheriff in town..

[Airalee]

14 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

And what's the betting they won't find new trading partners either?

 

I was thinking the same thing as so many posters seem to think it’s a nothingburger and Thailand can just replace the American consumer with “new trading partners”.

 

Where are these supposed “new trading partners” located?  Who are they?  Why weren’t they buying from Thailand before?

 

Is there some undisclosed country that had been previously excluded from buying Thai products?

[newbee2022]

6 hours ago, ozz1 said:

No surprise there most Thais have had enough of the elites and the squabbles from the government time for another election but too many people in power it won't happen unfortunately meanwhile the people suffer

That's an odd comment. The people's party politicians belong to the elite as well.

However, better education, more ambitious.

[Jingthing]

6 hours ago, connda said:

The key term is "retaliatory tariffs" meaning the were put in place to counter Thai tariffs on US good.
Dear Thailand - drop your tariffs on US goods and the US will drop it's tariffs on Thai good.

 "We can't do that.  We must protect Thai goods."
 Then enjoy your Trump tariffs.  Smarten up!  

No they weren't.

They were about trade imbalances.

Totally different. 

[spidermike007]

1 hour ago, mfd101 said:

Well, yes. But looking at their own tariff structure would be the rational thing to do.

 

Mmmmm, what's the betting that won't happen? And what's the betting they won't find new trading partners either?

 

(Sorry. becoming a pessimist in old age.)

You are probably right, there's very little creativity within this government, and very little talent to boot. If they only understood how tariffs really worked, they slow down an economy they don't add to it. They lower the GDP, they don't make it higher, the low tariffs is part of what made America the most dynamic economy in the world after World War II. That's something that the huuuge dunce doesn't understand either. 

 

If they lowered tariffs on fine wine they would attract a more affluent brand of tourists, and a dynamic local wine industry, if they lowered tariffs on luxury goods they would have a booming market. But they don't get it, they don't understand much.

 

 

[portisaacozzy]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

 

A majority of Thais are sceptical of the new Cabinet's ability to cut US tariffs. Suan Dusit University releases a poll indicating widespread doubts.

 

A Suan Dusit nationwide poll reveals stark doubt among Thais, with over half questioning the new Cabinet's ability to convince US President Donald Trump to reduce hefty retaliatory tariffs. From July 8 to 11, 1,191 respondents voiced their concerns, with the results unveiled this weekend.

 

Shocking figures from the poll suggest that 50.63% of respondents are not confident the government can tackle Trump's punitive tariffs, with only 28.97% hopeful of success and 20.4% undecided.

 

This sentiment is further echoed in their belief that Trump’s 36% tariffs could severely impact Thai products, with 50.04% expecting significant damage.

 

The performance expectation compared to its predecessor isn’t shining either. A substantial 41.56% of respondents foresee a decline, 35.01% remain unsure, while a hopeful 23.43% anticipate improvement. This pessimism casts a shadow on the Cabinet's start.

 

Priorities outlined by respondents for the new government highlight urgent economic and social issues. Addressing living costs and economic woes tops the list for 65.41%, followed by support for agriculture at 52.73%, battling corruption at 50.80%, education reform at 49.12%, and bureaucratic modernisation at 48.03%. The public's expectations underscore the pressing challenges faced by the administration.

 

Concerns about the new Cabinet mirror a deeper mistrust. A majority, 62.97%, worry about ministers' backgrounds, while 60.62% fear internal divisions could destabilise governance. Additionally, 57.35% feel the Cabinet is disconnected from everyday struggles, painting a complex picture of the challenges ahead.

 

The poll paints a vivid image of a public torn between scepticism and the desire for change, emphasising the new Cabinet’s uphill battle. With the significant issues outlined, only time will tell if Paetongtarn and her team can sway public opinion and tackle Trump’s tariffs effectively.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-07-14

 

 

Thailand might even have to stop shipping chinese good s through Thailand !!!!

[PETERTHEEATER]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

.........A majority, 62.97%, worry about ministers' backgrounds........

A certain Minister of Transport springs to mind.....

[Andycoops]

The only cutting is the Thai cutting their nose off to spite their face.

 

The current Muppets in the government have zero credibility, no experience, no intellectual capacity to run a department and are merely on the merry go round of political favours to keep a incompetent government in power that lost the election.

[newbee2022]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

Thailand is better off doing what so many other nations are doing

....lick his boots and his mighty fat arse

[proton]

Can't they do what Thais usually do and offer a bribe?

[newbee2022]

18 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

If they lowered tariffs on fine wine

well, I tried the last month an excellent Sauvignon from Huahin. To be honest one of the best I ever tasted.

However,.......1600 Baht was not to be called cheap

[davb]

6 hours ago, impulse said:

I don't question their ability to get a better tariff deal.  I question their will and their motives.

 

Exactly. The could if they wanted to, but I assume there is a small group of people at the top making a huge amount of money from the Thai tariffs and they won't want to give that up.

[peter zwart]

Whether Trump’s trade war will end up being good or bad for the U.S. is still up in the air. But honestly, I think the bigger issue right now lies with Thailand’s attitude.

It’s slowly but surely time for Thailand to realize that it’s not quite the global player it might like to think it is. It’s not an economic powerhouse, it doesn’t have an especially well-educated workforce, and you can’t just ignore a market of over 300 million Americans without facing the consequences. You’re not going to make up for that kind of loss somewhere else.

That said, Thailand is a beautiful country, and most people there are genuinely kind and deserve far better than what they’re getting right now.

[jerrytr]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

No they weren't.

They were about trade imbalances.

Totally different. 

So Thailand is supposed to purchase as much as Americans do? The biggest spenders in the universe. Not logical & since the largest economy in the world would even think that was possible is ridiculous. It will never be equal nor should it. Thais will never have the cash to do it. America just be grateful you can spend & stop punishing the world for selling to you. 

[dinsdale]

Let's face it. These idiots couldn't ogranise a p**s up in a brewery. Drop your tariffs and hidden tariffs aka excise taxes would be a good starting point. 

[cjinchiangrai]

15 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Let's face it. These idiots couldn't ogranise a p**s up in a brewery. Drop your tariffs and hidden tariffs aka excise taxes would be a good starting point. 

Fortunately, Trump is even more worthless. Just wait it out.

[dinsdale]

Just now, cjinchiangrai said:

Fortunately, Trump is even more worthless. Just wait it out.

This is simply an emotive comment from someone that has the syndrome. Do you really think Trump is going to say never mind you don't have to negotiate. I won't slug you at 36%.

[cjinchiangrai]

2 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

This is simply an emotive comment from someone that has the syndrome. Do you really think Trump is going to say never mind you don't have to negotiate. I won't slug you at 36%.

Taco Trump? 100%, he is a gutless criminal moron. His extortion is being rejected around the globe.

[Taboo2]

I thought Big Daddy Thaskin was going to solve this issue.

[Taboo2]

4 minutes ago, cjinchiangrai said:

Taco Trump? 100%, he is a gutless criminal moron. His extortion is being rejected around the globe.

And?

[spidermike007]

1 hour ago, peter zwart said:

Whether Trump’s trade war will end up being good or bad for the U.S. is still up in the air. But honestly, I think the bigger issue right now lies with Thailand’s attitude.

It’s slowly but surely time for Thailand to realize that it’s not quite the global player it might like to think it is. It’s not an economic powerhouse, it doesn’t have an especially well-educated workforce, and you can’t just ignore a market of over 300 million Americans without facing the consequences. You’re not going to make up for that kind of loss somewhere else.

That said, Thailand is a beautiful country, and most people there are genuinely kind and deserve far better than what they’re getting right now.

I agree. I love it here. But I think every nation should do absolutely everything in its power to avoid dealing with America, to avoid trading with America, and to avoid being subject to the whims of a completely insane circus clown. 

[spidermike007]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

No they weren't.

They were about trade imbalances.

Totally different. 

Very correct and unfortunately Trump does not know the difference between a trade imbalance and a country at war with the US, because they're selling the US so many goods. Trade imbalances are caused by many different reasons, part of which is the fact that your own country has become impossibly expensive to manufacture within. He doesn't have the intellectual capacity to distinguish between those two concepts.