Latest news with #Nikorndej
Bangkok Post
14 hours ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Kingdom to celebrate 50 years of Vietnamese ties in 2026
Thailand and Vietnam will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations next year, says a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, calling it a milestone that reflects bilateral cooperation across politics, economics and public engagement. Nikorndej Balankura said the ministry is gearing up to celebrate the event at all levels, noting that Thailand and Vietnam are in a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This means that the two countries are committed to consolidating and further strengthening all aspects of their relationship, whether its politics, economics, culture, tourism or people-to-people connectivity, he said. Vietnam is the top investment destination for Thai entrepreneurs in Asean, despite current economic challenges, including increased US tariffs, he noted. Mr Nikorndej was speaking to a group of visiting journalists from the Vietnam Journalists Association (VJA), as part of a week-long exchange programme to strengthen professional collaboration and mutual understanding, at the ministry offices in Bangkok. The programme was organised by the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) and led by its president, Norrinee Ruangnoo. (Story continues below) During the visit, Mr Nikorndej recalled his past experience as Thailand's ambassador to Vietnam. He noted the warm support he received during the Covid-19 pandemic, which underscored the two countries' enduring friendship. Mr Nikorndej also recognised the impact social media has on public discourse, stressing the role of professional journalists in verifying facts and combating misinformation. 'This era demands skilled communicators to foster accurate, constructive dialogue,' he said. He emphasised that bilateral media collaboration is essential not only to counter false narratives, but to also serve as a channel for goodwill and public interest. He then pledged support across all media dimensions and congratulated the VJA on its centennial anniversary, which he called a reflection of its steadfast contribution to Vietnam's development. Apart from visiting the ministry headquarters, the Vietnamese delegation visited several Thai media outlets, including Matichon Group, Khaosod and Khaosod Online.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Thailand pushes for lower US tariffs, urges ASEAN unity
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand remains optimistic that the latest US tariff rate of 36 per cent on its exports is not final, as the country has submitted a second proposal for reconsideration with ongoing discussions. Thailand's Department of Information Director-General and Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, said the government is pushing for a win-win solution. 'We hope the 36 per cent is not final... We certainly hope that we'll get a reduction in the tariff,' he told Bernama. The US recently announced new tariffs on several Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia (25 per cent), Indonesia (32 per cent), and Cambodia (36 per cent), while Laos and Myanmar face the highest rate at 40 per cent. Thailand is adopting a flexible approach in negotiations, including plans to increase US investments. 'We are being flexible on many fronts. We will invest more in the US. And of course, tariff reduction is on the cards,' Nikorndej said. Beyond trade, Thailand is urging stronger ASEAN cooperation to tackle transnational crime, particularly scam centres affecting victims globally. 'We no longer see it as just a threat to Thailand but as a threat to the sub-region and beyond,' he added. On Myanmar, Thailand supports Malaysia's ASEAN leadership in implementing the Five-Point Consensus for peace and reaffirmed its stance that any resolution must be Myanmar-led. Thailand's Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, is attending ASEAN meetings in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on economic cooperation, sustainability, and regional security. – Bernama
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Thailand hopes Trump's latest tariff rate is not final
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand remains hopeful that the latest reciprocal tariff rate of 36 per cent on its exports to the United States is not final. Thailand's Department of Information Director-General and Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, said discussions are ongoing. He said Thailand had submitted a second proposal on July 7, while the 36 per cent tariff rate was announced on Truth Social on the same day. "We hope the 36 per cent is not final… We certainly hope that we'll get a reduction in the tariff. "As I have said, Thailand is trying to achieve a win-win solution with the United States, with the long-term goal of building a lasting partnership between the US and Thailand," he told Bernama. Nikorndej said Thailand is adopting a flexible approach in its negotiations with the US, including plans to boost investment. "We are being flexible on many fronts. We will invest more in the US. And of course, tariff reduction is on the cards. But the number of products and the number of tariffs to be reduced has to be discussed further," he said. US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs of up to 40 per cent on imports from countries including Malaysia (25 per cent), Indonesia (32 per cent), and Cambodia (36 per cent). The highest tariff rate of 40 per cent would be imposed on Laos and Myanmar. Meanwhile, Thailand is calling for stronger cooperation with Asean and key partners to combat transnational organised crime along its borders with Myanmar and Cambodia. Nikorndej said scam centres are a growing threat not only in the region but globally, with victims spanning beyond Asean to include Chinese, Indian, and African nationals. "We no longer see it as just a threat to Thailand or to our economy and people, but as a threat to the sub-region, the broader region, and even people outside the region. Transnational crime means it crosses borders – we can't work alone," he said. Meanwhile, Thailand reiterates the need for Myanmar to move towards an inclusive dialogue that could lead to a sustainable ceasefire. Nikorndej said the conflict in Myanmar is seen as close to home, with the two countries sharing a 2,400-kilometre border. "We support Malaysia's role as the Asean Chair and the efforts of the regional grouping as a whole in realising the Five-Point Consensus (5PCs) on Myanmar," he said. Thailand reaffirmed its long-standing position that any peaceful resolution to the crisis in Myanmar must be both Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned, he added. Thailand's Foreign Minister, Maris Sangiampongsa, is attending the 58th AMM and related meetings, held under Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from July 8 to 11. During the meetings, Thailand outlined six key priorities: strengthening Asean centrality and unity amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics; enhancing economic and digital cooperation; supporting sustainable development; promoting human security; and reinforcing Asean's role in addressing the situation in Myanmar, particularly through the implementation of the 5PCs.
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
IMT-GT boosts regional integration amid global challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand are reinforcing their commitment to the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) as a strategy to navigate global uncertainties and enhance regional stability. The initiative aims to foster political, economic, and trade cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical volatility. Thailand's Director-General of the Department of Information at the Foreign Ministry, Nikorndej Balankura, highlighted the importance of sub-regional integration during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM). He noted that global economic challenges and the pandemic have slowed progress but stressed the continued push for resilience. 'Global economic uncertainties and the pandemic have hampered the growth and the pace of the IMT-GT advancement, so it has been slowed down a bit. However, the IMT-GT continues to pursue sub-regional integration as a strategy to mitigate negative impacts of global risk,' he told Bernama. Connectivity remains a major hurdle, with cross-border infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and legal harmonisation still in focus. The IMT-GT Implementation Blueprint 2022–2026 prioritises digital trade, data-sharing frameworks, and cross-border digital payments to boost economic corridors. 'Digital connectivity is a newer focus, and addressing physical, legal, and digital connectivity would greatly boost investment, trade, and people-to-people ties, including data flow,' Nikorndej added. On Malaysia-Thailand relations, he emphasised transforming border areas into zones of peace and prosperity. Key projects include road links between Songkhla (Thailand) and Kedah (Malaysia) and a second bridge connecting Narathiwat (Thailand) and Kelantan (Malaysia). These efforts aim to expand market access, particularly to China. Malaysia is also exploring the revival of the Sungai Kolok-Rantau Panjang rail link, which could connect to the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL). Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah confirmed openness to discussions on reopening the 18.7-km railway track, inactive since 1982 for passengers and 2006 for freight. The 16th IMT-GT Summit in May underscored the framework's role in enhancing connectivity and sustainable growth. The 58th AMM, held under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, focuses on inclusivity and sustainability, featuring 24 ministerial-level sessions. - Bernama
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia praised by Thailand for ASEAN leadership and Timor-Leste expansion
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand has applauded Malaysia's leadership as ASEAN Chair this year, highlighting its crucial role in facilitating Timor-Leste's expected entry into the regional bloc in October. This expansion will mark ASEAN's first new membership in over two decades. Thailand's Department of Information Director-General and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura confirmed that Timor-Leste will officially join ASEAN at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October. 'Malaysia has worked hard and done a great job. We commend them,' he told Bernama. ASEAN, founded in 1967 by Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore, has grown steadily over the decades. Brunei joined in 1984, followed by Vietnam (1995), Laos and Myanmar (1997), and Cambodia (1999). Timor-Leste's inclusion is seen as a strategic move to strengthen ASEAN's global influence. The youngest Southeast Asian nation, Timor-Leste, applied for ASEAN membership in 2011, nine years after gaining independence. In 2022, ASEAN granted it observer status, allowing participation in key meetings. With a population of 1.3 million, Timor-Leste's economy remains oil-dependent, though agriculture and services are growing sectors. Nikorndej also praised Malaysia's focus on inclusivity and sustainability, aligning with Thailand's long-standing priorities. He highlighted Malaysia's initiative in forming the ASEAN Geoeconomic Task Force, which aims to tackle regional economic challenges. 'I've heard the recommendations, and I believe they are very productive,' he said. The task force, established in February 2024 in Desaru, Johor, seeks to develop coordinated responses to global economic shifts, reinforcing ASEAN's resilience. - Bernama
