Thailand's Economic Outlook Amid U.S.-China Trade Tensions

BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand's economy stands to gain from any U.S.-China trade war, Thai Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan stated on Thursday. He emphasized that the Southeast Asian country maintains good relations with both nations and will not feel compelled to take sides in this dispute.

In the event of a trade war, U.S. imports of Chinese goods are expected to decline, allowing for Thai products to fill that gap, which would result in an increase in Thai exports to the U.S., Pichai shared with reporters.

"We have a good balance between the U.S. and China… the Americans love us, the Chinese love us, we don't have to choose sides," he remarked, mentioning that a delegation of American businesses is scheduled to visit Thailand in November.

Pichai expressed hope for increased investment from the United States, highlighting upcoming expansions by hard disk manufacturers Seagate and Western Digital in Thailand.