Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Holds Talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump

During the call, Paetongtarn, Thailand’s youngest-ever Prime Minister, reiterated her country’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with the United States. Trump, in turn, praised Paetongtarn’s leadership and affirmed the U.S.'s continued support for Thailand. "Thailand is a beautiful country," Trump remarked, emphasizing the enduring partnership between the two nations.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Thailand and the U.S. share a longstanding alliance, with the U.S. maintaining one of its largest diplomatic presences in the region. The two nations conduct annual joint military exercises and collaborate in various fields, including law enforcement.

With Trump’s potential policy shifts, particularly on tariffs targeting Chinese imports, Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam could stand to benefit. These nations, known for their robust automotive and electronics manufacturing sectors, may see increased demand as alternatives to Chinese products.

Focus on U.S. Market Expansion

Thailand’s Minister of Commerce highlighted the importance of capitalizing on these opportunities, stating, "We need to focus on exporting more Thai goods to the U.S. to fill the gap left by Chinese products."

Exports are a vital component of Thailand’s economy, and the U.S. remains its top export destination, followed closely by China. Strengthening trade ties with the U.S. could further bolster Thailand’s economic growth amid shifting global trade dynamics.