Bangkok: The Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, has emphasized the importance of ASEAN cooperation in addressing trade issues with the United States, while also focusing on the nation’s economic stimulus plans. Despite the pressing need for negotiations, the Prime Minister has not yet set a specific date for talks with the United States but has reiterated her commitment to achieving the best outcomes possible.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister has been actively engaging with ASEAN leaders, including informal discussions with the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Malaysia. The focus of these discussions has been on leveraging natural resources and specific strengths of each ASEAN nation to build a united front in negotiations with the United States. By combining resources and increasing the collective bargaining power of ASEAN, the Prime Minister believes that they can negotiate more effectively.
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns regarding the potential impact of a lawsuit involving former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on the negotiations. She assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce are handling the situation appropriately. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of accuracy over speed in negotiations and stated that detailed discussions are ongoing to prepare for talks with the United States.
Rumors suggesting that the Thai government postponed the negotiations were dismissed by the Prime Minister as baseless. She stressed the long-standing positive relationship between Thailand and the United States and urged against spreading unfounded rumors that could politicize the issue.
In response to inquiries about initial negotiations with the United States, the Prime Minister reiterated that preliminary discussions have already taken place behind the scenes. She emphasized the need for comprehensive internal discussions before making public statements, to ensure that all aspects of trade and cooperation are thoroughly considered.
Regarding Thailand’s economic stimulus plans, the Prime Minister detailed the government’s comprehensive approach, which includes short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies. These plans involve digital wallets and attracting investment, with the Budget Bureau playing a key role in facilitating government investment. The Prime Minister acknowledged the global nature of the economic crisis and assured that the government is committed to maximizing efforts to mitigate its impact on Thailand.