Bangkok: “Sirikanlaya” remains confident that Thailand has not yet received confirmation of the date for the US tariff negotiations, as stated in recent discussions.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sirikanya Tansakul, an MP for the party list and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party, expressed concerns during an interview about the ongoing delay in setting a date for tariff negotiations between Thailand and the United States. She highlighted that while other countries in the Asia-Pacific region have progressed in their negotiations with the US, Thailand’s schedule remains uncertain. This uncertainty is exacerbated by conflicting statements from Thai government officials, including the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.

Ms. Sirikanya pointed out that while the Prime Minister attributes the delay to additional documentation requested by the US, Mr. Pichai suggested a strategic wait-and-see approach, implying that Thailand would observe negotiations involving other countries before proceeding. This lack of a unified stance has led to further confusion regarding the timeline for talks.

She emphasized the importance of the Thai government directly communicating any issues affecting the negotiations. Ms. Sirikanya noted that while the government is not being urged to hasten the process, clear communication would inspire confidence that existing problems can be resolved and an exact date for negotiations confirmed.

Addressing speculations that political issues, such as the Uyghur situation and the Paul Chambers case, might be influencing the US’s reluctance to engage, Ms. Sirikanya acknowledged that such factors could affect international relations and economic discussions. She cited concerns raised by US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, over Thailand’s actions related to the Uyghur community, as potential reasons for the delay.

Despite these challenges, Ms. Sirikanya expressed a cautious optimism about the government’s ability to navigate the economic crisis. She indicated that, given the current political climate and the Prime Minister’s low popularity, a dissolution of parliament is unlikely. Consequently, she urged cooperation and open-mindedness in addressing the economic issues at hand, offering her party’s support and willingness to collaborate with the government.

In conclusion, Ms. Sirikanya reiterated the need for vigilant oversight, especially if government borrowing is proposed as a solution. She emphasized the necessity of enabling the government to address pressing economic challenges, warning that unresolved issues could become chronic and difficult to manage.