Anutin May Call Trump to Negotiate Thai Tariff Deal
Prime Minister Anutin may call Trump to finalize tariff negotiations for Thai goods, with discussions nearly complete after addressing landmine clearing and scam network crackdowns.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thursday he may speak with US President Donald Trump soon to discuss the final stage of negotiations over US tariffs on Thai goods, including a possible special tariff rate previously mentioned by Trump.
Speaking at the Interior Ministry, Anutin said Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun had reported that negotiations with the United States were close to completion.
"Almost everything has been discussed. There is only a little left," Anutin said, adding that he would discuss the details with Suphajee on September 18.
He described the negotiations as progressing in a positive direction.
Asked whether he would hold a phone call with Trump, Anutin said Thai and US trade representatives were at a stage where a discussion between the two leaders could help address the remaining issues.
If he gets the opportunity to speak with Trump, Anutin said he would raise Thailand's implementation of commitments under the joint Thailand-Cambodia statement, including efforts to clear landmines and combat scam networks.
He said he would also ask Trump about an earlier indication that Thailand could receive special consideration on its tariff rate.
"We have done everything that you said — clearing landmines and cracking down on scammers," Anutin said, referring to Trump's earlier remarks. "I will ask whether Thailand will receive this."
