Tariffs part of power struggle

Thailand being pulled in 2 directions

- WICHIT CHANTANUSORNSIRI

Thailand is caught in a power struggle between global superpowers, with each wanting the nation to take sides by using tariff measures as leverage, says a government official.

According to a senior source at the Finance Ministry who requested anonymity, Washington is pressing Thailand to eliminate tariffs on US goods, matching the rate applied to Chinese imports under the Asean-China free trade agreement.

"The US's demand for Thailand to reduce import tariffs to 0%, including on agricultural products and meat such as pork, could be seen as having a negative impact on domestic producers. On the other hand, US products are more expensive than Thai products, so it will ultimately be up to consumers to decide," said the source.