BANGKOK — Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said Thailand expects official notification within 24 hours regarding tariff rates under President Trump’s Reciprocal Tariff policy, following US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s announcement of trade deals with Thailand and Cambodia.
Speaking on Fox News Wednesday, Lutnick said Trump personally called both countries over the weekend. “I listened all day Saturday while he’s calling Cambodia, Thailand. What happens on Monday? They announce a truce. We made trade deals with Cambodia and Thailand today,” he stated.
Thai Negotiating Team Stands Firm
Pichai emphasized that Thai negotiating teams worked comprehensively across trade data, international law, and economic impact assessments. “We proposed conditions Thailand can accept while protecting maximum national interests,” he said.
“Though results remain unclear, I confirm the Thai team never remained passive or compromised easily. Every decision underwent deep analysis for national benefit,” Pichai stated, thanking supporters and vowing to continue fighting together through current challenges.
Prior to the Thailand-Cambodia announcement, Trump had declared trade deals with various allied nations at different rates. Japan, South Korea, and the European Union secured 15% tariffs, while the Philippines and Indonesia received 19% rates.
Vietnam faces a 20% tariff under its deal, and India agreed to 25%. Thailand and Cambodia were initially facing 36% tariffs before reaching their agreements.
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