Sihasak Announces In-Principle Agreement With US on Tariffs
Sihasak Announces In-Principle Agreement With US on Tariffs
BANGKOK, November 11, 2026 — Thailand and the United States have reached an agreement in principle on tariff negotiations, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Wednesday, November 11, describing the negotiations as concluded while noting that parliamentary consideration remains ahead.
Speaking at Government House at 9.05am, Sihasak said both sides were satisfied with the outcome, although the agreement contained substantial details and would still need to be submitted to parliament.
“The negotiations on US tariffs are finished,” he said, stressing that the broad principles had been settled.
He added that documents could be announced at upcoming ASEAN and APEC leaders’ summits to confirm the conclusion of negotiations. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun is overseeing the trade agreement process.
No specific tariff rates, affected products or implementation timetable were disclosed.
Parliamentary Consideration Still Pending
While the in-principle agreement marks progress in Thailand’s trade negotiations with Washington, its final legal status and practical effects will depend on the detailed terms and the parliamentary process.
Businesses, exporters and investors will be watching for further details on how the agreement could affect tariffs, supply chains and imported goods.
Chinese Premier’s Visit to Focus on Economic Cooperation
Sihasak’s remarks came ahead of Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s official visit to Thailand on November 13.
He described China as an important partner, a major export market and an increasingly significant source of investment for Thailand.
Thailand wants to strengthen political ties with Beijing, he said, noting that the Thai prime minister had previously visited China and met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li.
Li’s upcoming visit also demonstrated the importance China attached to its relationship with Thailand, Sihasak added.
Thailand Seeks Technology Transfer From Chinese Investors
A key objective of the visit will be to expand economic cooperation, particularly investment in emerging industries.
Sihasak said China had developed significant expertise in artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, areas in which Thailand hoped to attract further investment.
However, he stressed that Thailand wanted more than vehicle assembly operations. The government wanted Chinese investors to develop technology locally and transfer knowledge and skills to Thai workers.
He did not identify specific investment projects or provide figures for potential commitments.
Tourist Safety and Online Scams Also on Agenda
Tourism safety and online scams are also important issues in Thailand’s relationship with China, given China’s significance as a tourism market.
Sihasak said Thailand was known as a safe destination, but concerns about tourists being deceived needed to be addressed. He called for greater clarity in explaining such cases, including identifying those involved, and said public announcements should avoid creating unnecessary alarm.
He said Thailand and China should work together to strengthen confidence among Chinese visitors that they could travel safely in the country.
The issue would also be linked to efforts to suppress technology-related crime, with authorities needing to investigate those involved. However, Sihasak did not announce any new rules or specific measures.
