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In today’s world, we are unavoidably living in an “era of rising prices.” The cost of goods and services is steadily increasing, especially for fresh food items such as pork, chicken, eggs, and seafood, as well as fuel and public transportation costs. All of this reflects the impact of inflation, which is affecting our daily lives in a way that cannot be ignored.
On April 17, 2025, Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, Thailand’s Minister of Commerce, held discussions with Mr. Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, who is also serving as Chair of the ASEAN Economic Ministers for the year. The two strategies discussed to handle the U.S. new trade policies, especially the countervailing duties, are negotiating with the U.S. and imposing retaliatory tariffs, which could impact several ASEAN member states.
Thai Government Moves Forward to Balance Trade with the U.S., Targets a 50% Reduction in Trade Surplus within 5 Years
The Thai government is strengthening trade negotiations with the U.S. after being closely watched as one of the countries with the largest trade surpluses with the U.S. In 2024, Thailand recorded a trade surplus of over $35 billion, and the 2025 forecast could reach $45 billion, placing Thailand among the top 10 countries with the largest trade surpluses.
Thailand is currently in the process of deciding whether to extend the contract to continue hosting MotoGP, as the current agreement ends in 2026. If the extension happens, discussions must begin this year.
Following the earthquake on March 28, which affected many areas of Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, the Ministry of Finance has assured the public that the government is closely monitoring the situation. Relevant agencies have been instructed to urgently implement measures to assist affected citizens and businesses.
This year, trade relations between Thailand and the U.S. are facing new challenges as the U.S. government under President Donald Trump prepares to implement “reciprocal tariff” starting on April 2, 2025. This measure will allow the U.S. to raise tariffs on imports from trading partners to match the tariffs those countries charge on U.S. goods.
This year’s Songkran is expected to see a bustling movement of Thai people traveling! The Ministry of Transport estimates that there will be 16.32 million people traveling nationwide, especially those driving their own cars, with a total of over 16 million vehicles on highways and motorways. In addition, public transportation, including buses, trains, ferries, and flights, will serve about 15.84 million passengers.
On February 26, 2025, the Bank of Thailand announced a 0.25% reduction in the policy interest rate from 2.25% to 2% per annum, marking the lowest level in two years. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) made the decision with a 6-1 vote to lower the rate in response to economic conditions and inflation trends.
Concerning Signs Thailand’s GDP Right now, Thailand’s economy isn’t doing well, growing at the slowest pace in the region. While tourism still supports the economy, it’s starting to slow down.
Explore Investment Opportunities in 2025: Asian Stocks Still Cheap, Worth Watching!!
If you’re looking for investment opportunities this year, Aberdeen suggests that Asian stocks are highly interesting due to their lower valuations compared to global markets. Additionally, profits of companies listed in this region are expected to grow around 10-12%, especially in China and India, which seem to have the most promising future. Meanwhile, U.S. stocks are becoming increasingly expensive, making emerging markets in Asia worth watching. With the U.S. having clearer tax policies, there’s a chance that more investment capital will flow into the region.
In today’s world, we are unavoidably living in an “era of rising prices.” The cost of goods and services is steadily increasing, especially for fresh food items such as pork, chicken, eggs, and seafood, as well as fuel and public transportation costs. All of this reflects the impact of inflation, which is affecting our daily lives in a way that cannot be ignored.
On April 17, 2025, Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan, Thailand’s Minister of Commerce, held discussions with Mr. Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, who is also serving as Chair of the ASEAN Economic Ministers for the year. The two strategies discussed to handle the U.S. new trade policies, especially the countervailing duties, are negotiating with the U.S. and imposing retaliatory tariffs, which could impact several ASEAN member states.
Thai Government Moves Forward to Balance Trade with the U.S., Targets a 50% Reduction in Trade Surplus within 5 Years
The Thai government is strengthening trade negotiations with the U.S. after being closely watched as one of the countries with the largest trade surpluses with the U.S. In 2024, Thailand recorded a trade surplus of over $35 billion, and the 2025 forecast could reach $45 billion, placing Thailand among the top 10 countries with the largest trade surpluses.
Thailand is currently in the process of deciding whether to extend the contract to continue hosting MotoGP, as the current agreement ends in 2026. If the extension happens, discussions must begin this year.
Following the earthquake on March 28, which affected many areas of Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, the Ministry of Finance has assured the public that the government is closely monitoring the situation. Relevant agencies have been instructed to urgently implement measures to assist affected citizens and businesses.
This year, trade relations between Thailand and the U.S. are facing new challenges as the U.S. government under President Donald Trump prepares to implement “reciprocal tariff” starting on April 2, 2025. This measure will allow the U.S. to raise tariffs on imports from trading partners to match the tariffs those countries charge on U.S. goods.
This year’s Songkran is expected to see a bustling movement of Thai people traveling! The Ministry of Transport estimates that there will be 16.32 million people traveling nationwide, especially those driving their own cars, with a total of over 16 million vehicles on highways and motorways. In addition, public transportation, including buses, trains, ferries, and flights, will serve about 15.84 million passengers.
On February 26, 2025, the Bank of Thailand announced a 0.25% reduction in the policy interest rate from 2.25% to 2% per annum, marking the lowest level in two years. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) made the decision with a 6-1 vote to lower the rate in response to economic conditions and inflation trends.
Concerning Signs Thailand’s GDP Right now, Thailand’s economy isn’t doing well, growing at the slowest pace in the region. While tourism still supports the economy, it’s starting to slow down.
Explore Investment Opportunities in 2025: Asian Stocks Still Cheap, Worth Watching!!
If you’re looking for investment opportunities this year, Aberdeen suggests that Asian stocks are highly interesting due to their lower valuations compared to global markets. Additionally, profits of companies listed in this region are expected to grow around 10-12%, especially in China and India, which seem to have the most promising future. Meanwhile, U.S. stocks are becoming increasingly expensive, making emerging markets in Asia worth watching. With the U.S. having clearer tax policies, there’s a chance that more investment capital will flow into the region.
