Thai ambassador sees better US ties with Trump

American citizens gather in Bangkok to monitor Super Tuesday in March, when delegates vied for party nomination. The Thai ambassador to Washington foresees better ties with Donald Trump in the White House. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)

The Thai ambassador to the United States sees a good opportunity to strengthen ties with Washington after President-elect Donald Trump affirmed the importance of long-standing friends with mutual interests

During a meeting of Thai ambassadors and consuls-general at the Foreign Ministry on Friday, ambassador Pisan Manawapat said the US president-elect had given a clear indication of what he would do when he takes over in 100 days.

With this, came a good opportunity for Thailand to boost relations with the United States.

Mr Trump had said he would attach importance to long-standing friendly nations with mutual interests, Mr Pisan said. Thai-American relations went back 183 years, and the two countries had considerable mutual interests, the ambassador said.

Mr Pisan did not appear too concerned about Mr Trump's threat to raise import tariffs. That was said while campaigning for votes, and as a businessman Mr Trump should have a good understanding and would not implement any policy that would have negative effects.

Once in office, the new government would realise the limitations set by laws and agreements under the World Trade Organisation, and the possibility of retaliatory action by some countries, he said.

Mr Pisan did not think that Thailand would be a target of any American trade barriers. He suggested Thai businesses expand economic ties with the US by ensuring a mutual interest.

Thai operators could give assurances that any interests they take over in the US would result in more jobs for local people. That would encourage a good response from local authorities, he said.

The ambassador also said Thais were not a target of racism in the US. Thai people and Thai foods were admired there.

The new government would find ways to mend the rifts that occurred during the election campaign. Mr Trump already vowed to be a president for all Americans, the ambassador to Washington said.