Thailand backs ASEAN’s collective approach in tariff negotiations with US

Thailand is ready to support ASEAN’s collective approach in negotiating with the U.S. over its reciprocal tariffs on imports from countries in the region, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Thursday.

She made the remarks after talks with her Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, who is on a two-day working visit to Thailand at the invitation of Paetongtarn.

Paetongtarn said they discussed how ASEAN can join forces to deal with U.S. tariff hikes, adding that the combined population of member countries - about 670 million - makes the bloc a huge market and a force to be reckoned with.

The issue would be discussed at the next ASEAN meeting, she said, adding that Thailand is ready to support the idea of ASEAN joining forces for the benefit of all member countries.

The PM shared that Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira will lead a Thai delegation to Washington for talks on April 23.

U.S. President Donald Trump on April 9 announced a pause on all reciprocal tariffs - including a 36% levy on Thailand - as countries began lining up to seek negotiations. However, a 10% baseline tariff on all goods still applies to almost all US trading partners.