Bangkok: Opposition leader Nattapong Ruangpanyawut has criticized the Thai government’s delayed response to the United States’ recent tax hike, urging the governing authorities to enhance their negotiation strategies.
According to Thai News Agency, Nattapong, who leads the Prachachon Party and serves as the leader of the opposition in Thailand’s House of Representatives, highlighted the inadequacy of Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra’s statement on Thailand’s trade policy stance. Despite issuing a second statement, he argued that the government’s response remains unclear and slow, especially in light of earlier predictions by academics about Thailand’s vulnerability to these tax measures.
Nattapong also pointed out the proactive stance taken by the Malaysian Prime Minister, who is currently the Chair of ASEAN 2025, using ASEAN’s negotiation framework to bolster regional bargaining power. He expressed disappointment that Thailand has not taken on a similar role despite its significance in the ASEAN community.
Focusing on the negotiating team set to engage with the United States, Nattapong emphasized the need for Thailand to recognize and leverage its bargaining power. While acknowledging the importance of key negotiators such as Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira and Prime Minister’s Policy Advisor Pansak Vinyarat, he stressed that understanding Thailand’s strengths is crucial before entering negotiations. He noted that the longstanding friendship between Thailand and the United States is well-recognized, yet it did not prevent the implementation of the US tax policy.
The opposition leader also commented on suggestions to involve former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in the negotiations. He argued that such a move would undermine the current Prime Minister’s credibility, asserting that the responsibility should lie with the Prime Minister or a cabinet working group directly involved in governance. He warned that involving Thaksin, who is the Prime Minister’s father, could lead to a loss of credibility for the current administration.
Regarding the negotiation guidelines aimed at securing tariff relief from the United States, Nattapong questioned whether increasing imports from the US and easing import conditions might put Thailand at a disadvantage. He suggested that negotiations should aim for a balanced trade agreement that does not disadvantage Thailand while ensuring mutual benefits. He urged the government to provide transparency about which Thai businesses or industries might be impacted by the US tax measures, underscoring a need for clarity that both the public and private sectors demand.