Thailand prepares to respond to US policy changes

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has called for thorough preparations to address potential trade challenges resulting from the US’s policy changes.

A shopper at a supermarket in Bangkok, Thailand (Photo: AFP/VNA)
A shopper at a supermarket in Bangkok, Thailand (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Bangkok (VNA) - The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has called for thorough preparations to address potential trade challenges resulting from the US’s policy changes.

FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul on January 20 cited the International Monetary Fund’s projections of US tariff increases of 10-20% on trading partners, with China possibly facing hikes of 60-100%.

To strengthen Thailand’s export sector, the federation has proposed two key strategies, including the establishment of a “war room” of skilled lobbyists to help navigate US trade policies and mitigate their impact on exports, and the diversification of export markets to reduce reliance on the US.

The Thai Industry Sentiment Index (TISI) fell to 90.1 in December last year from 91.4 in November, reflecting concerns over several factors, including reduced manufacturing due to long holidays, the ongoing flood crisis in the South and rising prices of agricultural goods that have negatively affected food processing industries.

The FTI has made several recommendations for government action, including support measures for small- and medium-sized enterprises affected by the minimum wage increases, the introduction of energy conservation initiatives, the acceleration of negotiations on trade agreements – especially with the European Union – and the development of comprehensive strategies to effectively respond to US trade policies./.

VNA

See more

Delegates at the event (Photo: kpl.gov.la)

Laos aims for sustainable infrastructure development

Laos' Enabling Environment Roadmap for Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM EE) outlines strategies for the effective management of public infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals, with a focus on resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Strong earthquake strikes eastern Indonesia (Photo: scienceexchange.caltech.edu)

Strong earthquake strikes eastern Indonesia

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake occurred at 5:15 pm, with its epicenter located 93 km northeast of Indonesia's Maluku Barat Daya district and a hypocenter at a depth of 157 km beneath the seabed. No tsunami warning has been issued.

Rescue forces are racing against time to search for victims of the earthquake that hit Myanmar on March 28, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Myanmar earthquake: Devastation’s full extend is not clear

Myanmar's state media quoted military government leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing as saying the earthquake death toll had reached 2,065, with more than 3,900 injured and some 270 missing. Aid agencies forecast these numbers will rise significantly due to information blackouts in remote areas.

File - Passengers pass through the automatic immigration checkpoint (auto gate) at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, January 3, 2024. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia operates auto gates at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

According to Johanes Fanny Satria Cahya Aprianto, head of the airport's immigration office, immigration services are fully prepared for the surge in passengers. Currently the office has deployed 531 personnel to ensure smooth and efficient immigration processing at the airport.

Rescuers on March 30 search for missing people after the earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

WHO seeks urgent funding for Myanmar after devastating earthquake

In its flash appeal for funds, the WHO said the high numbers of casualties and trauma injuries are at high risk of infection due to limited surgical capacity in the country, while the underlying conditions in Myanmar meant the quake is likely to intensify the risk of diseases.

Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Belgian monarchs’ state visit to open new chapter in bilateral cooperation

As a major player in the region and one of the most dynamic economies in Asia, Vietnam is an indispensable partner for Belgium. The meetings with the various Vietnamese authorities will therefore offer an excellent opportunity to further deepen and enrich this diverse partnership, according the Belgian Federal Public Service of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha. (Photo: khmertimeskh.com)

Cambodia strengthens cross-border crime control

In 2024, Cambodia cracked down 197 cases relating to human trafficking and sexual exploitation, an increase of over 20% compared to the previous year. The authorities identified 523 victims and arrested 273 suspects and sent them to court, including 30 foreigners.