Asean unity against tariffs eyed

Thailand is ready to support Asean's collective approach in negotiating with the United States over its reciprocal tariffs on the regional bloc's exports, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said.

- CHAIRITH YONPIAM

She made the remarks after bilateral talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Government House yesterday. Mr Anwar arrived on a two-day working visit to Thailand at the invitation of Ms Paetongtarn.

She said Mr Anwar's visit followed her official visit to Malaysia on Dec 16, and a phone conversation between the two leaders on April 5.

Ms Paetongtarn said they discussed how Asean can join forces to deal with the recent US tariff hikes, adding the combined population of Asean member countries makes the bloc a huge market and a force to be reckoned with.

She said the issue would be discussed at the next Asean meeting and Thailand is ready to support the idea of Asean joining forces for the benefit of all member countries.

Ms Paetongtarn said Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira will lead a Thai delegation to the US for talks on the tariff hike on Wednesday.