Bangkok: Supajee Suthamphan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, has confirmed that the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" program will continue, coupled with a new economic stimulus package. According to Thai News Agency, Supajee disclosed that the Ministry of Economy is crafting a continuous stimulus package following the conclusion of the "Thailand Helps Thailand Plus" Phase 2 program. She also announced imminent discussions with the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in the Philippines to negotiate preferential tariffs as part of a Thailand-Cambodia agreement. Additionally, direct talks at the leadership level between Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's Prime Minister, and U.S. President Donald Trump are anticipated.
Supajee addressed the repercussions on domestic trade and goods stemming from the U.S. Federal Reserve's recent 0.25% interest rate hike, the first in three years. She clarified that the Ministry of Commerce is managing commodity prices, while Ekniti Nitithanprapha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, will address matters related to interest rates.
The continuation of the "Thai Helps Thai Plus" program for two more months is underway, and discussions about further economic stimulus measures are in progress. Supajee stated that a comprehensive package involving all economic ministries is being prepared to support the final quarter figures of 2026. She emphasized the necessity for the economic stimulus measures to incorporate all ministries, following Mr. Ekniti's previous announcement.
Regarding tariff negotiations with the United States, Supajee mentioned that a few details still require discussion between Thailand and the USTR. She plans to attend the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting in the Philippines, where further discussions with Deputy USTR Rick Switzer will occur, with hopes to finalize them.
Supajee indicated that while no meeting has been scheduled yet between Prime Minister Anutin and President Trump to finalize a tax deal, additional written agreements concerning minor details are required. She noted the importance of a future meeting between the two leaders to address these issues.
When queried about the Prime Minister's intention to request preferential tariffs from the United States due to Thailand's adherence to the Thailand-Cambodia agreement, Supajee stated that the Prime Minister himself must engage directly with the U.S. President in discussions, while her focus remains on the detailed preparations.