Thai envoy to US plays down concerns over trade barriers

Thai envoy to US plays down concerns over trade barriers

Thailand will not be the target of trade barriers under a Donald Trump presidency, according to Thai ambassador to the United States Pisan Manawapat.

The ambassador was apparently trying to allay concerns over President-elect Donald Trump's campaign manifesto ranking US trade interests high on its priority to generate more jobs for Americans. This led to experts believing that protectionism was looming large.

Mr Pisan said yesterday he did not think that Thailand would be a target of any American trade barriers. He suggested that Thai businesses expand economic ties with the US by ensuring mutual interests.

Thai operators could give assurances that any interests they take over in the US would result in more jobs for local people, he said. That would encourage a good response from US authorities, he said.

Mr Pisan said he sees a good opportunity to strengthen ties with Washington after President-elect Donald Trump affirmed the importance of long-standing friends with mutual interests.

Thai-American relations go back 183 years, and the two countries have considerable mutual interests, the ambassador said.

During a meeting of Thai ambassadors and consuls-general at the Foreign Ministry yesterday, ambassador Pisan Manawapat said the US president-elect had given a clear indication of what he intends to do when he enters the White House in 100 days.

With this came a good opportunity for Thailand to boost relations with the United States.

Mr Pisan did not appear too concerned about Mr Trump's threat to raise import tariffs.

That was mentioned while campaigning for votes, and as a businessman Mr Trump would not implement any policy that would have negative effects, he said.

Once in office, the new government would realise the limitations set by laws and agreements under the World Trade Organisation, and the possibility of retaliatory action by some countries, he said.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai warned Thai citizens in the US to avoid breaking the law and be mindful of Mr Trump's tough policy against illegal migrants, given the next US president's migration policy.

The minister suggested that Thais living in the US be productive and comply strictly with the law. They should work there legally, he added.

"Thais in the US must adapt themselves to the changing situation. If they make themselves a benefit to the country, they will be accepted there," Mr Don said.

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