Photo Credit: Government House
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has expressed optimism about the progress of trade negotiations between Thailand and the United States, highlighting a productive discussion with US President Donald Trump as a pivotal moment.
Following a post-dinner meeting with President Trump after the APEC Economic Leaders’ gala dinner in Gyeongju, South Korea, on Wednesday, Mr. Anutin conveyed his gratitude to the US leader for aiding in mediating the peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.
“[We also] discussed the ongoing negotiations to reduce US import tariffs on Thai goods. The talks are now in their final stages before an agreement is signed,” he stated.
He also requested President Trump to support Thailand in securing more favorable trade conditions, emphasizing the longstanding friendship between the two nations. Mr. Trump responded positively, promising to speak with the US trade representative to ensure Thailand benefits as much as possible from any agreement.
When asked about the outlook, Mr. Anutin mentioned that he had met with President Trump twice—first at the Asean Summit in Malaysia and again at the APEC Summit in South Korea.
“President Trump has many commitments, but he remembered our discussions,” he said. “After our talk, as he greeted other leaders, he even came back to assure me that he would speak with the US trade representative. That shows his genuine interest, so the prospects look very promising.”
Mr. Anutin also remarked on the growing international interest in Thailand, exemplified by his bilateral meetings with nearly all Asean member states during the Malaysia summit.
During the APEC Summit in South Korea, he planned to hold additional talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
He also participated in discussions with representatives from the US–APEC Business Coalition, alongside executives of several major American companies including Amazon, Boeing, Citi, Johnson & Johnson, Mastercard, Merck, PayPal, and Organon.
He emphasized the crucial role of the US private sector in promoting economic growth and development throughout the Asia-Pacific region and within Thailand.
“The Thai government highly values US private sector involvement and remains receptive to their suggestions to improve the business climate and facilitate investment,” he said.
Mr. Anutin highlighted that economic cooperation with the US is a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. In 2024, the US was Thailand’s largest export market and its second-largest trading partner. Last year, Thailand attracted foreign direct investment totaling $34 billion, predominantly from US technology firms.