US ready for tariff talks with Thailand - Maris

The Trump administration is ready to hold talks with Thailand over tariffs, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa told the media today, quoting a report from the Thai ambassador in Washington DC.

He said Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed the Thai delegation to set an appointment with the US authorities as soon as possible.

Led by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, Maris said that the Thai delegation will meet with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to explain Thailand’s proposals in the negotiation for a lower tariff on Thai products than the 36% originally planned.

Maris claimed that the US trade representative is interested in the Thai proposals.

He also said that, after the talks with these three top US officials, the mission of the Thai delegation is over and there will be no need to talk with any other US agencies.

The proposals include the opening of the Thai market to maize and fruits from the US, an increase in imports of US energy and agricultural products, aircraft, spare parts and service equipment, as well as strict enforcement of laws pertaining to the misdeclaration of the origin of products and promotion of Thai investments in US.