PM instructs cabinet to prepare for Trump’s tariff hike

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Tuesday instructed the Cabinet to address the tariff hike policy of the United States under the Trump administration, stating that the government is ready to negotiate with the U.S. for the country’s best interests.

After the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Government Spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub said that Paetongtarn emphasized the government's preparedness to negotiate with the U.S. in a manner that would benefit Thailand the most, following over four months of preparation by the government’s working team.

Jirayu explained that the team was established on January 6, 2025, prior to the official inauguration of the U.S. president on January 20, 2025. The team has been reporting to the Prime Minister periodically, researching and preparing various strategies and measures to minimize the impact of the tariff hikes.Paetongtarn also instructed all relevant ministries to quickly adapt to the new measures, and added that the working team’s committee would meet with representatives from relevant agencies this afternoon to provide further details.

“The government has not been idle. We have planned ahead and have been taking action for over four months. We will continue to act appropriately to protect Thailand's interests and the well-being of the Thai people,” the Prime Minister stated.

Regarding the 2025 Songkran Festival, which begins on Friday (April 11), Paetongtarn instructed all agencies to facilitate public and foreign tourists' travel and ensure that all safety measures are implemented.

The Prime Minister also urged all relevant agencies to support the government’s “Don’t Drink and Drive” initiative, which aims to reduce accidents, fatalities, and injuries during the Songkran Festival.

(2025/04/08-00:00)