Bangkok:Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has expressed confidence that the United States midterm elections will not influence the trade agreements between the US and Thailand. He is focusing on a potential reduction of tariffs on Thai goods by 19%.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin addressed concerns regarding whether the potential defeat of US President Donald Trump in the midterm elections could impact the tariffs negotiated with Thailand. He stated that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Supajee Suthamphan, reported that the agreements had reached the stage of legal review, suggesting that the terms and conditions of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) are likely nearing finalization.
Anutin highlighted that although formalization of these agreements takes time due to the complexity and detailed legal terminology involved, both parties are working to ensure completeness. He mentioned that if he meets with President Trump, he hopes for the opportunity to discuss Thailand's case further, especially since all agreed-upon points have been fulfilled by Thailand. Last year, Trump indicated that if Thailand and Cambodia fulfilled agreements related to troop withdrawal, peacebuilding, and mine clearance, he would consider reducing tariffs.
Anutin also noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is managing the Prime Minister's attendance at the upcoming ASEAN Summit and APEC meetings, where discussions with Trump might occur. The US government has sent a draft of a Joint Statement following trade agreement discussions, but it is yet to be finalized. This statement will not immediately affect tariffs, as normal tariffs will remain until the agreement is officially signed. Anutin confirmed his attendance at both the ASEAN Summit and APEC.
Additionally, Anutin disclosed that a Joint Statement would be signed during this trip, which serves as the primary basis of a contract and requires detailed legal information. He reiterated that the US midterm elections would not impact Thailand.