Bangkok: Teng” suspects that the government has miscommunicated, asks whether Thailand has requested a postponement or has not yet scheduled a meeting with the United States to negotiate tariffs, urges the Prime Minister to be clearer, believes that the visa ban of leaders over the “Uyghur” issue has an effect, still supports joining forces with ASEAN to create bargaining power, sees Thailand’s strength as the center, emphasizes not to abandon its role.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the Prachachon Party and leader of the opposition in the House of Representatives, expressed concerns about potential miscommunication in the ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States. He questioned whether it was the United States or Thailand that had asked for a postponement, emphasizing the need for direct communication to prevent misunderstandings.

When asked about the potential failure of negotiations, Mr. Nattapong expressed his desire for the best outcome for Thailand, but stressed that success depends on the government’s clarity and the negotiating team’s effectiveness. He highlighted the importance of consistent communication to ensure all parties have a unified understanding, warning that discrepancies in perception could lead to obstacles.

Addressing the impact of the US visa ban on Thai leaders, imposed due to issues surrounding the Uyghur community, Mr. Nattapong acknowledged it as a significant factor that needs careful consideration. He reiterated the opposition’s concerns about how these decisions might affect negotiations and called for more transparency from the government on negotiation details, preparedness, and the broader implications for Thailand’s trade and industry.

Mr. Nattapong also discussed the strategic importance of ASEAN collaboration in negotiations, particularly in light of Vietnam’s reported interest in joining talks on behalf of the regional bloc. He advocated for a multilateral approach, noting the success of other countries like China, South Korea, and Japan in leveraging regional cooperation for greater bargaining power. He emphasized Thailand’s geographical advantage as the center of ASEAN and the importance of not neglecting this role in the negotiations.