SEOUL, South Korea — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed on Tuesday that he held an informal discussion with former U.S. President Donald Trump during a special APEC leaders’ dinner hosted by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, focusing on strengthening economic ties and potentially lowering import tariffs on Thai goods entering the United States.
Anutin said he took the opportunity to personally thank Trump for the United States’ role in facilitating the recently launched Thailand–Cambodia Peace Agreement, which both sides aim to fully implement as soon as possible.
During the conversation, Anutin raised the issue of U.S. import tariffs, asking Washington to consider reducing the current rate — which stands at around 19% — to a more favorable level for Thai exports. According to Anutin, Trump responded positively, promising to coordinate with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to explore ways to support Thailand’s trade interests.
“We’ve spoken twice now — first at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia and again here at APEC in South Korea,” Anutin said. “President Trump remembered our previous conversation well. After we finished speaking, he even walked back to say he would discuss the matter with his trade representative. It’s a very good sign.”
Anutin added that the exchange reflected growing international interest and confidence in Thailand. During both the ASEAN and APEC meetings, several world leaders requested bilateral discussions with him, including Canada’s Prime Minister, China’s President Xi Jinping, and South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung.
Major corporations also expressed interest in collaborating with Thailand, he said, citing SK Bioscience, which is preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Government Pharmaceutical Organization to produce key vaccines domestically.
The meeting between Anutin and Trump was described as warm and friendly, with both men exchanging handshakes and Trump even placing a hand on the Thai prime minister’s shoulder — a gesture symbolizing goodwill and personal rapport.
