Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced positive progress in trade negotiations between Thailand and the United States, highlighting a pivotal discussion with US President Donald Trump. This exchange took place after the Apec Economic Leaders' gala dinner in South Korea, where Mr. Anutin applauded the US for its role in mediating peace between Thailand and Cambodia. The talks, focused on reducing US import tariffs on Thai goods, are reportedly approaching the final stages before formal agreement signing.

 

Backgrounding the negotiations, Mr. Anutin's engagement with Mr. Trump marks their second interaction, following a meeting at the Asean Summit in Malaysia. Mr. Trump acknowledged their discussions and pledged to engage with the US trade representative to ensure Thailand receives maximum benefits. The PM emphasized that international interest in Thailand has grown, reflecting in numerous bilateral meetings at the Asean Summit.

 

Reactions indicate optimism about the outcomes of these discussions. Mr. Anutin noted Mr. Trump's commitment through multiple engagements, underscoring the positive prospects. The discussions also featured prominent American businesses, including executives from Amazon, Boeing, and Citi, indicating strong ties between the private sectors of both countries.

 

Looking ahead, Mr. Anutin plans to hold further bilateral talks with major global leaders, including Canada's Mark Carney and China's Xi Jinping, during the Apec Summit. Thai-US economic cooperation remains crucial, with the US being a top trading partner and largest export market for Thailand in 2024. The previous year's US$34 billion foreign direct investment in Thailand largely originated from American tech firms.

 

Key Takeaways

• Thailand and US inch closer to finalizing a trade agreement.
• Trump commits to aiding Thailand's favorable trade terms.
• Thailand sees increased interest from international economic partners.

 

Related stories:

Trump and Xi’s Truce: Temporary Halt in Trade Tensions

Thailand Seeks Improved Trade Deal from US Amid Talks

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-10-31

 

 

Can almost see Trump saying to himself 'what the fook is he going on about'  🤣

would love to hear the other side of this discussion - what is Thailand offering as we all know importing goods from the US to Thailand which can see some hefty duties and taxes

The HUB, they call Thailand, has anyone told Trump?