Thailand Denies Linking Military Terms to US Trade Talks
Thailand's deputy PM denied reports that military conditions were linked to US trade negotiations, clarifying that the two countries are focused on tariff balancing and highlighting Thai private investments worth nearly $20 billion in the U
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthummaphan denied foreign media reports claiming that Thailand had linked military conditions to trade negotiations with the United States. She stated that Thailand has made no such arrangement, as military cooperation is a separate, existing framework. Trade talks focus on balancing tariff benefits between the two countries.
Thailand has incorporated other cooperation frameworks as supplementary elements to demonstrate good faith in addressing the US trade deficit. The country is emphasizing private Thai investment in the United States as a key driver, noting that Thai private companies have already invested nearly 20 billion US dollars there and are preparing an additional 5 billion dollars in investments, which creates jobs and shows trade relationships extend beyond goods sales alone.
Thailand has also clarified that at least 30% of its trade surplus stems from exports by American companies operating manufacturing bases and investments within Thailand. Suthummaphan announced plans to travel to the US in late August for technical trade negotiations to reach a conclusion. Currently, Thai goods receive tax exemptions on approximately 72% of exports under Section 301 measures and Section 232, particularly agricultural and electronics products. For the remaining 28% still subject to tariffs, the Commerce Ministry is preparing detailed information to negotiate the lowest possible rates.
