Thailand’s election gamble stalls US trade talks, reform push
PM Anutin Charnvirakul’s move to dissolve parliament comes as tariffs and border tensions pressure the country’s economy
[BANGKOK] Thailand’s political uncertainty has deepened once again, compounding risks to trade talks and economic recovery, after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Friday (Dec 12) dissolved parliament upon receiving official approval from Thai King Vajiralongkorn.
The move has pushed Thailand into caretaker-government limbo at a sensitive moment for trade negotiations, including stalled talks with the US, even as border tensions and tariffs weigh on growth prospects.
Later that same day, Anutin took a late-night phone call from US President Donald Trump, underscoring how geopolitics and trade have become increasingly intertwined for Thailand.
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