Bangkok: Thailand remains hopeful that the latest reciprocal tariff rate of 36 per cent on its exports to the United States is not final. Thailand’s Department of Information Director-General and Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, confirmed that discussions are ongoing.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Thailand had submitted a second proposal on July 7, the same day the 36 per cent tariff rate was announced on Truth Social. Nikorndej expressed optimism, stating, “We hope the 36 per cent is not final. We certainly hope that we’ll get a reduction in the tariff.” He emphasized Thailand’s aim for a “win-win solution” with the United States to build a lasting partnership.
Nikorndej mentioned that Thailand is adopting a flexible approach in its negotiations with the US, which includes plans to boost investment. “We are being flexible on many fronts. We will invest more in the US. And of course, tariff reduction is on the cards. But the number of products and the number of tariffs to be reduced has to be discussed further,” he said.
US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs of up to 40 per cent on imports from countries including Malaysia (25 per cent), Indonesia (32 per cent), and Cambodia (36 percent). The highest tariff rate of 40 per cent would be imposed on Laos and Myanmar.
Meanwhile, Thailand is advocating for stronger cooperation with ASEAN and key partners to combat transnational organised crime along its borders with Myanmar and Cambodia. Nikorndej highlighted the growing threat of scam centres, which affect victims globally, including Chinese, Indian, and African nationals. “Transnational crime means it crosses borders – we can’t work alone,” he noted.
Thailand also stressed the need for Myanmar to engage in an inclusive dialogue for a sustainable ceasefire. With a shared 2,400-kilometre border, Thailand views the conflict in Myanmar as a significant concern. “We support Malaysia’s role as the ASEAN Chair and the efforts of the regional grouping as a whole in realising the Five-Point Consensus (5PCs) on Myanmar,” Nikorndej said.
Thailand reaffirmed its stance that any peaceful resolution to the Myanmar crisis must be both Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned. The country’s Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, is attending the 58th AMM and related meetings under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, themed ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11. During these meetings, Thailand outlined six key priorities, including strengthening ASEAN centrality, enhancing economic cooperation, and addressing the situation in Myanmar through the implementation of the 5PCs.