PM Anutin Plans Call With Trump on Trade Tariffs
PM Anutin plans to call US President Trump to discuss trade tariffs and request special tariff treatment for Thailand, as final negotiations between the two countries near completion.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on September 17 at the Interior Ministry that Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Pauthadsananan reported that principal negotiations with the United States are nearing completion, with only minor points remaining. Both sides are preparing for a leader-level discussion, with a detailed review scheduled for September 18.
When asked if he would call US President Trump, Anutin said he had just returned from abroad but was receiving regular updates on negotiations. Both trade representatives are ready to discuss the final outstanding issues, and if the opportunity arises, he will ask Trump about Thailand receiving special tariff treatment as promised, particularly given Thailand's compliance with joint Thailand-Cambodia agreements on landmine removal and scammer suppression.
Regarding the US House Foreign Affairs Committee's request to examine sanctions against 28 individuals with alleged links to scam networks and human trafficking in Southeast Asia—a list that includes former Finance Minister Voraphak Thannyawongse—Anutin said anyone accused must hire lawyers and clear their name themselves, and it is not a government matter. When pressed on whether the US had requested the government investigate, Anutin replied that it was not a matter for this government.
