BANGKOK — 11 November 2026,Thailand and the United States have concluded tariff negotiations in principle, with both sides believed to be satisfied with the outcome, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Wednesday. The agreement will still require parliamentary consideration as Thailand prepares to strengthen economic and technological cooperation with China.
Sihasak, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, spoke to reporters at Government House about the progress of US tariff negotiations and the upcoming official visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Thailand on 13 November.
Asked whether the tariff negotiations had been completed, Sihasak confirmed that an agreement had been reached on the main principles, although numerous details still needed to be addressed.
“The negotiations are finished,” he said, adding that the agreement contained many details and would need to be submitted to Parliament.
He said both Thailand and the United States appeared satisfied with the broad terms of the agreement.
Sihasak explained that trade discussions were being handled by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, with the possibility of an official document being released to confirm the conclusion of negotiations.
The issue could also be discussed during upcoming ASEAN and APEC meetings, he added.
China visit to focus on AI and high-tech investment
Turning to Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s official visit on 13 November, Sihasak said Thailand hoped to deepen political and economic ties with China, a key trading partner and major export market.
He noted that Chinese investment in Thailand had continued to increase and that Li’s visit demonstrated Beijing’s importance attached to bilateral relations.
The Thai Prime Minister had previously met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li during a visit to China.
Sihasak said a major priority of the upcoming talks would be upgrading economic cooperation, particularly by attracting Chinese investment in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles.
However, Thailand wants Chinese companies to go beyond establishing assembly operations.
“We want them to develop technology here and transfer knowledge to Thai people,” Sihasak said.
He stressed that Thailand was seeking higher-quality investment that would help develop domestic AI capabilities, technological expertise and the Thai workforce.
Thailand seeks to restore Chinese tourist confidence
Tourism safety will also be a key topic during the discussions, with Thailand seeking to reassure China about the safety of its citizens visiting the country.
Sihasak acknowledged Chinese concerns about tourists being deceived or lured into fraudulent activities, saying both countries needed clearer communication and closer cooperation.
He said some public announcements had caused alarm and stressed that information should be communicated clearly to avoid unnecessary concern.
Thailand also hopes to work with China to identify those involved in scams and strengthen efforts to combat technology-related crime.
Sihasak said such cooperation would be important in restoring confidence among Chinese tourists, who represent a major market for Thailand’s tourism industry.
He emphasised that strengthening economic ties, attracting advanced technology investment and ensuring tourist safety would be central to discussions during the Chinese premier’s visit.