Anutin and Trump expected to confirm progress in Thai-US trade talks

Thailand’s Cabinet has authorised Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to announce or sign a joint statement with US President Donald Trump confirming that the two countries have reached a substantial conclusion in negotiations on an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART).

The announcement and possible signing are expected to take place during the ASEAN Summit in Manila, the Philippines, from November 15-17, 2026. The statement will mark progress in the negotiations but will not constitute the signing of the final trade agreement.

The Cabinet approved the draft statement proposed by the Commerce Ministry on Tuesday (November 10). It also authorised the signatory to make non-substantive amendments, provided they do not conflict with Thailand’s interests, without seeking further Cabinet approval.

Government spokesman Ekkapob Pianpises confirmed that Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, would attend the ASEAN Summit with relevant ministers before travelling to China for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings.

The visits will provide opportunities for discussions with foreign leaders, investors and business representatives, including arrangements for the planned announcement on US tariff negotiations.

Ekkapob also disclosed that the secretary-general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was expected to visit Thailand towards the end of November. The government has already prepared matters for discussion.

Statement confirms progress but excludes detailed trade terms

The proposed joint statement will confirm that Thailand and the United States have reached agreement on the substantive elements of their reciprocal trade negotiations.

However, it will not disclose the details of those agreed elements or establish the final terms of the trade agreement.

The negotiations build on the longstanding economic relationship between the two countries, including the 1966 Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations and the 2002 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.

Thailand previously faced the prospect of a 36% US reciprocal tariff. A framework endorsed by the Cabinet on August 1, 2025, provided for the United States to maintain a rate of 19% on Thai goods.

The latest draft statement does not specify a tariff rate or provide further details of the substantive agreements reached in the negotiations.

Talks have continued amid uncertainty over US tariff arrangements, with both governments working towards a formal trade agreement.

Further domestic procedures required before final agreement

Once the joint statement has been announced, Thailand and the United States will proceed with their respective domestic requirements in preparation for the formal signing and implementation of the trade agreement.

The government expects the announcement to reduce uncertainty surrounding the negotiations and strengthen confidence among trading partners, investors and businesses.

It is also expected to provide greater clarity for companies planning production, purchasing and investment across their supply chains.

The draft statement is intended to serve as a political declaration of progress rather than an instrument creating obligations under international law.

It is therefore not classified as a treaty or international agreement under Section 178 of Thailand’s Constitution.

Nevertheless, because the declaration concerns foreign relations and represents a commitment by the Thai government, Cabinet approval was required before proceeding.

The relevant government agencies have reviewed the proposed statement and raised no objections.