The Commerce Minister revealed that the United States has signaled readiness to start technical-level tax negotiations with Thailand after the U.S. leader called the Prime Minister last night.
Mrs. Supachai Suthammanont, Minister of Commerce. She disclosed that on the evening of 12 December 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul received a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the tense situation along the Thailand–Cambodia border. Mrs. Supachai, together with Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Minister of Foreign Affairs, listened to the conversation, while the U.S. side was represented by its Secretary of State joining the discussion.
Mrs. Supachai explained that recent news reports and statements from national leaders, which may have appeared inconsistent or differently framed, result from focusing on certain discussion points from each party’s perspective and context. These do not reflect fundamental disagreements or differing core policy directions. The main focus of the talks remains seeking peace and stability in the region. The Prime Minister clearly emphasized that Thailand’s actions aim to safeguard sovereignty, security, and national safety within international legal frameworks. Toward the end of the conversation, President Trump inquired about progress in trade negotiations between Thailand and the U.S., affirming that he would expedite arrangements to initiate talks, recalling his earlier commitments.
Mrs. Supachai added that regarding trade issues, in the afternoon of the same day, she met with senior officials from the U.S. Embassy in Thailand. She emphasized the mutual benefits of advancing trade negotiations and urged the U.S. to separate security concerns from trade matters, as delays in talks would postpone benefits for both countries. She also informed the U.S. officials about discussions with the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) and over 40 U.S. business investors in Thailand, led by Mr. Ted Osius, Senior Vice President of USABC, who visited Thailand on 11 November. They all agreed on the need for Thailand and the U.S. to promptly finalize trade negotiations to support economic benefits in trade and investment—benefiting U.S. companies operating in Thailand and U.S. consumers who would gain access to quality products at reasonable prices, particularly Thai jasmine rice and other agricultural products that the U.S. must import. Therefore, swift conclusion of trade talks is eagerly anticipated by the business sectors on both sides.
Finally, Mrs. Supachai provided additional information that this morning, the U.S. Department of State informally notified that it would coordinate with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to proceed with technical-level discussions with Thailand. This reflects a positive signal that the U.S. administration shares Thailand’s understanding of the importance of expanding trade and investment relations steadily and stably through mutual tax and trade agreements.
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