Bangkok: Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, has shed light on the intricate tax negotiations with the United States. The ongoing discussions about the Reciprocal Tariff have been described as complex and constantly evolving. The US has deployed chief negotiators from various departments, including the US Department of Commerce, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and the US Secretary of the Treasury.

According to Thai News Agency, the Thai government is actively working to address any strategies the United States employs. To ensure Thailand isn't disadvantaged, the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) and the Department of Trade Negotiations are working concurrently. Mr. Pichai, leading the policy negotiation team, is tasked with overseeing negotiations in alignment with the current situation.

The negotiations necessitate the use of Lobbyists in the United States, which is standard practice. The consulting firms or Lobbyists typically charge between 20,000 to 300,000 US dollars monthly for general services. However, due to the "Reciprocal Tariff" situation, there is a need for consulting firms with specialized skills and strong policy connections within the US government. This requirement can increase costs, especially for urgent actions involving competition with other countries and the significant value of Thai trade and exports.

Mr. Pichai emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, citing the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which mandates clear disclosure of all foreign-related contracts on the US Department of Justice website. He stressed the importance of having knowledgeable representatives and tools to protect Thailand's market, exports, and the well-being of farmers and entrepreneurs. Implementing international policy today requires technical knowledge, precision, and timely decision-making.