Economy
Thai-US Trade Agreement Talks Remain Unscheduled Ahead of UNGA
Deputy Prime Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi clarifies that no meeting between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and President Donald Trump has been confirmed regarding the ART trade deal.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supamas Isarabhakdi has addressed ongoing speculation regarding the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) between Thailand and the United States. While there had been expectations of a high-level discussion between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and U.S. President Donald Trump on September 17 or 18, 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister confirmed that no such meeting has been officially scheduled.
Thai officials are currently prioritizing technical-level negotiations with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to finalize details before elevating the matter to leadership discussions. The primary goal remains securing a favorable tax rate, ideally not exceeding 19%.
Prime Minister Anutin is scheduled to travel to the United States from September 21 to 27, 2026, primarily to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. While the Prime Minister will represent Thailand on the international stage, any potential side meetings with U.S. leadership remain unconfirmed. For residents and travelers, this development suggests that while trade relations are under active review, the finalization of the ART deal is still in the preparatory phase. Stakeholders should monitor official government announcements for updates on trade policy shifts that could impact the economic landscape.
