Thailand sets out tactics for US talks

Government goal is to ease trade balance

- WICHIT CHANTANUSORNSIRI

Any measures Thailand negotiates in talks with the US must be practical and possible, says Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira.

Speaking after a meeting yesterday to follow up on US trade measures chaired by the prime minister, Mr Pichai said he plans to travel to the US with a delegation to negotiate with the US Trade Representative (USTR) after measures Thailand plans to propose for the US to consider are finalised.

"We hope to travel to the US to negotiate with the USTR as soon as possible," he said.

Mr Pichai said any Thai proposals must be things Thailand is capable of and wants to do as well.

"We are not making this trip because the US raised tariffs. This is something we want to do, and we have the capability, and we will benefit from it. This effort can help to find a way to reduce taxes for everyone equally," he said.

The meeting determined four approaches Thailand plans for negotiations with the US.