Thailand Engages Lobbying Firm for Trade Negotiations, Promises Openness in Discussions
Thailand Gets Help with Tariff Talks
Thailand is ramping up its efforts to navigate persistent tariff negotiations with the United States. In a fierce display of determination, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira revealed that the Thai government has roped in a seasoned consultancy or lobbying firm to aid in these tough discussions.
Pichai stressed that this move is far from reckless, asserting the need for transparency, wisdom, and precision in dealing with the rapidly evolving trade landscape[1]. He pointed out that the U.S. has dispatched negotiators at multiple levels, including the Department of Commerce, United States Trade Representative (USTR), and even the Secretary of the Treasury.
The Thai government is readying itself for any eventuality, allocating resources efficiently between the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) and the Department of Trade Negotiations (DTN), to ensure that all levels of negotiations receive equal attention. Since Pichai serves as the head of the policy-level negotiations squad, he plays a pivotal role in shaping and steering the discussions[1].
Pichai further highlighted the hefty fees often commanded by firms with specialized expertise and strong policy connections with U.S. government officials when negotiations are urgent, competitive, and carry significant trade and export implications. However, he stopped short of revealing the names of the consultancy or lobbying firm[1].
The minister made it clear that this investment is justified, given the potential risks involved. "We can't afford to stumble in these crucially important trade talks. If we don't have the right team, the right know-how, and the correct strategies, Thailand could lose its foothold in the U.S. market, endure setbacks in exports, and directly impact our farmers and businesses on the ground," warned Pichai[1].
Assuring the public, Pichai clarified that this consultancy or lobbying firm hiring process is above board and regulated by the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)[1].
Previously, Sirikanya Tansakun, deputy leader of the opposition People's Party, raised concerns regarding two budget allocations to support these tariff negotiations[2]. Although the budgets were initially not specific, Sirikanya questioned the division of responsibilities between the Ministry of Finance and the DTN, and the rationale for using two separate agencies with comparable budgets[2].
While the actual figure isn't known, Sirikanya noted that considerations this large tend to fall outside of the typical $20,000-$30,000 monthly retainer fee range for a six-month contract[2]. She expressed curiosity about the price tag for this high-stakes endeavor and its ramifications, emphasizing her thirst for clarity on topics like the employment contract, the size of the retainers, and the reason behind the seemingly exorbitant fees[2].
- TAGS
- Pichai Chunhavajira
- Thailand
- lobbying
- Trade Talks
- US tariffs
- Donald Trump
- US
- economy
- Pichai Chunhavajira, the Finance Minister of Thailand, has engaged a proficient consultancy or lobbying firm to assist in the challenging tariff negotiations with the United States.
- As the head of the policy-level negotiations squad, Pichai Chunhavajira plays a crucial role in shaping and steering the discussions between Thailand and the US.
- Pichai Chunhavajira accentuated the hefty fees often demanded by firms with specialized expertise and strong policy connections with US government officials during urgent, competitive, and significant trade and export negotiations.
- The Thai government's decision to invest in such a consultancy or lobbying firm is justified, according to Pichai Chunhavajira, given the potential risks involved in the ongoing US tariff talks.
- Sirikanya Tansakun, a deputy leader from the opposition People's Party, has expressed interest in understanding the employment contract, retainers, and the rationale behind the seemingly high fees associated with Thailand's hiring of a consultancy or lobbying firm for these US tariff negotiations.
