Economy Thailand Rejects 0% Tax Deal with US, Cites Risk to Local Farmers

[Sydebolle]

If an US import product is cheaper than a Thai product, then that could mean:
- the US is subsidizing its export (which is not the case)

- Thailand is considerably more inefficient in production due to outdated technology, if any, i.e. too much manual labour in planting rice or other agricultural produce (which is the case)
- the free market economics do not work in Thailand as only selected few players with exorbitant margins are controlling the market (which is the case)

Where does a farmer get fertilizer or animal feed, who buys up the agricultural produce all over the land, who runs feed mill monopolies, who has the monopoly on meat (chicken, pork) and what is the word "Mahboonkrong" written over most of the rice bags etc. etc. etc. 

Needless to say, that the powers-to-be like Pichai have to blow the trumpet of the bigwigs. You want to revive your economy, you want to promote bilateral trade then do away with all that nonsense taxation for the benefit of the selected few or for populistic reasons (like overtaxation on imported products of foodstuff like cheese or wines). 

 

[MarkBR]

32 minutes ago, Sydebolle said:

If an US import product is cheaper than a Thai product, then that could mean:
- the US is subsidizing its export (which is not the case)

- Thailand is considerably more inefficient in production due to outdated technology, if any, i.e. too much manual labour in planting rice or other agricultural produce (which is the case)
- the free market economics do not work in Thailand as only selected few players with exorbitant margins are controlling the market (which is the case)

Where does a farmer get fertilizer or animal feed, who buys up the agricultural produce all over the land, who runs feed mill monopolies, who has the monopoly on meat (chicken, pork) and what is the word "Mahboonkrong" written over most of the rice bags etc. etc. etc. 

Needless to say, that the powers-to-be like Pichai have to blow the trumpet of the bigwigs. You want to revive your economy, you want to promote bilateral trade then do away with all that nonsense taxation for the benefit of the selected few or for populistic reasons (like overtaxation on imported products of foodstuff like cheese or wines). 

 

Apparently, the US govt. does subsidise its agricultural exports - source - Gemini

"Yes, US agricultural exports are subsidized through various programs. The US government provides both direct subsidies and indirect support to farmers and agribusinesses, including those involved in export activities. These subsidies are intended to support farm income, ensure sustainable production, and promote exports"

[MarkBR]

Just now, MarkBR said:

Apparently, the US govt. does subsidise its agricultural exports - source - Gemini

"Yes, US agricultural exports are subsidized through various programs. The US government provides both direct subsidies and indirect support to farmers and agribusinesses, including those involved in export activities. These subsidies are intended to support farm income, ensure sustainable production, and promote exports"

If you can find a more reputable source indicating otherwise, then please indicate.  I do not necessarily trust AI due to its tendency to create rubbish due to 'hallucinations'.  Hallucinations (yes, the correct term.  Are when AI create absolute rubbish due to the inadequacies biases contained within its database.

[MarkBR]

1 minute ago, MarkBR said:

If you can find a more reputable source indicating otherwise, then please indicate.  I do not necessarily trust AI due to its tendency to create rubbish due to 'hallucinations'.  Hallucinations (yes, the correct term.  Are when AI create absolute rubbish due to the inadequacies biases contained within its database.

I agree with the second & third points you made.

[JJ-Thailand]

On 7/23/2025 at 5:55 AM, watchcat said:

Do they really care about the poor farmers?

A lot of votes.

[NobbyClarke]

If I remember correctly this was done 30 years ago?

[Showtime]

This can only end poorly for Thailand.  The economic power of the US is no match for Thailand.  Thailand will get squished like a bug.

[NickyLouie]

8 minutes ago, Showtime said:

This can only end poorly for Thailand.  The economic power of the US is no match for Thailand.  Thailand will get squished like a bug.

 

Next Trump will remove the dual pricing here.

 

 

[Showtime]

9 hours ago, NickyLouie said:

 

Next Trump will remove the dual pricing here.

 

 

 

Trump was able to stop the Cambodian - Thai war.  All this guy does is Win Win Win.

[Will B Good]

Just now, Showtime said:

 

Trump was able to stop the Cambodian - Thai war.  All this guy does is Win Win Win.

 

Tell me that's sarcasm.

[Johno57]

It would be nice to see all countries avoid this Trump scam but the poms were first to throw in the towel & Vietnam not much of a resistence.. 

[Sydebolle]

On 7/27/2025 at 12:16 PM, MarkBR said:

Apparently, the US govt. does subsidise its agricultural exports - source - Gemini

"Yes, US agricultural exports are subsidized through various programs. The US government provides both direct subsidies and indirect support to farmers and agribusinesses, including those involved in export activities. These subsidies are intended to support farm income, ensure sustainable production, and promote exports"

The US stood here for "US taxpayer" - interesting!  Maybe that changes now and the subsidy comes from Thailand, their export to the US tax supports US export - among others also to Thailand. How nice to know! 

[Showtime]

On 7/28/2025 at 8:25 AM, Will B Good said:

 

Tell me that's sarcasm.

 

Sorry I can't since it is a fact and facts can not be changed.