Thailand remains committed to ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding tariffs, following recent discussions with the Commerce Ministry. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas emphasized that the country will pursue a tax agreement with Washington while maintaining a clear separation between political issues and trade talks.
A meeting between the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is scheduled for November 17, as coordination efforts for the negotiations are underway.
Ekniti also announced progress on a trade-facilitation framework involving the Customs Department, confirming that Thailand will eliminate the rewards previously given for customs tip-offs—an initiative long demanded by the US and business communities. A new regulation to end the reward scheme for senior officials is set to be issued by the end of November, while rewards for operational personnel will remain unaffected.
He explained that this measure targets only executives due to issues related to appeals, arrest authority, and approval powers. Although the law has yet to be amended, the termination of the internal reward regulation for senior officials can proceed immediately, Ekniti added.