Bangkok: Pichai Chunhavajira, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Thailand, is set to travel urgently to the United States to negotiate import taxes between Thailand and the US. The discussions, scheduled for July 3, 2025, aim to protect Thailand's national interests during these crucial negotiations.
According to Thai News Agency, Pichai will lead a team to discuss the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the US. The negotiations follow multiple online discussions with the US Trade Representative (USTR). The goal is to reach a balanced proposal that considers both US limitations and Thailand's needs for a mutually beneficial outcome.
Pichai indicated that the negotiations will also address non-tariff trade barriers such as regulations and trade inconveniences that may hinder trade. Successful negotiations could smooth the import-export process. Drawing from experiences of other countries that have negotiated with the USTR, Pichai suggested that a favorable proposal could lead to the relaxation of US tariffs through an extended adjustment period. Currently, Thailand is estimated to face an 18 percent tariff, though the exact rate remains uncertain.
Pichai is scheduled to depart on the night of June 30, 2025, leading the Thai side in negotiations. Despite the imminent deadline of July 8, 2025, Pichai emphasizes the urgency of the negotiations to safeguard Thailand's interests.