Thailand to United States | Negotiation

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To: <Jackson Fitzgerald, Secretary of State of the United States> Odinson From: <Sarabun@mfa.mail.go.th> Subject: Negotitaion of Tariffs Reduction Agreement between the Republic of Thailand and the United States of America Security Type: Secure Encrypted Method - Protect by NIA Counter-Intelligence Service - The decryption method is sent separately via fax

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Dear Secretary Fitzgerald,

I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. As the Thai Foreign Minister, I am writing to express our interest in negotiating a Tariffs Reduction Agreement between our two countries.

Thailand and the United States have long enjoyed a strong economic partnership, with our bilateral trade history dating back to the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1833. Our countries share a commitment to promoting free and fair trade, and we believe that a Tariffs Reduction Agreement would further strengthen our economic ties and promote greater prosperity for our citizens.

In recent years, Thailand has significantly opened up its economy and lowered trade restrictions. We believe that a tariff reduction agreement with the United States would help to further promote our economic growth and create new prospects for our two nations.

We understand that negotiations on such an agreement would require a significant amount of work and consultation. We are ready to engage in constructive and meaningful negotiations with the United States to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.

Our ambassador in Washington, D.C., Mr. Manasvi Srisodapol, is ready to work closely with your team to explore ways to reduce tariffs and improve market access for our respective products. We believe that a comprehensive agreement should cover not only the reduction of tariffs but also address non-tariff barriers, investment, intellectual property rights, and labor and environmental standards.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our commitment to strengthening our economic partnership with the United States. We believe that a Tariffs Reduction Agreement would be a positive step forward in achieving this goal. We look forward to your positive response and to working closely with your team to make this agreement a reality.

Sincerely
Surakiart Sathirathai
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Thailand

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[Odinson]

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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO THE REPUBLIC OF THAILAND​

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ENCRYPTED MESSAGE​

TO: Surakiart Sathirathai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Thailand ( Bossza007 )​

FROM: Lewis Hatfield, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Thailand

Minister Sathirathai,

I have spoken with Secretary Fitzgerald as well as the Secretary of Commerce, in regard to your initial message. If you are available, my team and I would be happy to meet with you at your earliest convenience. I look forward to answering any questions that you may have so that we can come to a productive outcome for both of our governments.​

Best regards,

Lewis Hatfield
United States Ambassador to the Republic of Thailand
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To: <Lewis Hatfield, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Thailand> From: <Sarabun@mfa.mail.go.th> Subject: RE: Odinson Security Type: Secure Encrypted Method - Protect by NIA Counter-Intelligence Service - The decryption method is sent separately via fax

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Dear Ambassador Hatfield,

I am pleased to hear back from you and appreciate your willingness to meet with us. As Deputy Foreign Minister, I have been assigned by Minister Sathirathai to engage in talks with the United States on the proposed Tariffs Reduction Agreement.

I would like to invite you to my office tomorrow, at 1 pm, to discuss this matter further. We believe that a Tariffs Reduction Agreement would not only strengthen our economic ties but also help to promote greater regional integration and stability. We hope that our talks will be productive and lead to a mutually beneficial agreement. I understand that your schedule may be tight, but I assure you that this meeting will be of great importance to both of our countries. As you may know, the Foreign Minister has a scheduled state visit to Mexico, and we would like to make progress on the proposed agreement before his departure.

I look forward to meeting with you and your team tomorrow. Please let me know if there are any further details or preparations that we should make for the meeting. Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

Sincerely
Sukhumbhand Paribatra
Deputy Foreign Minister
Republic of Thailand

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[Odinson]

Private​

Ambassador Lewis Hatfield prepared with his staff to go talk with representatives of the Thai government. They reviewed various tax, tariff, and other economic policies that might be relevant for the discussion. Ambassador Hatfield also securely confirmed some measures with the Department of State and the Department of Commerce before he prepared to meet with Deputy Foreign Minister Paribatra. Ambassador Hatfield, two Diplomatic Security Service Agents, and a few members of his staff would travel to the office of the Deputy Foreign Minister so that they could meet. Once the motorcade arrived at the Thai Foreign Ministery, Ambassador Hatfield was escorted to the entrance of the building and would request entry as he produced his diplomatic documents.

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As Ambassador Hatfield stepped into the Thai Foreign Ministry, he was greeted by the bustling atmosphere of a busy government office. The building was modern, with sleek lines and polished surfaces that gleamed in the bright light streaming in from the large windows. Despite the frantic pace of the staff moving around him, the Ambassador was struck by the quiet and composed demeanor of everyone he encountered. He was quickly escorted to Deputy Foreign Minister Paribatra's office, where they exchanged greetings and got down to business. The office was spacious and furnished with tasteful decor that reflected the culture of Thailand. The walls were adorned with paintings of the country's stunning landscapes and historical figures, creating an atmosphere of both elegance and tradition. There were six people in the Deputy Minister's office, one from the NIA service, two Commerce specialists, one foreign specialist, and an assistant of the Deputy, including himself. They formally exchange greeting in a friendly Thai manner, with good faith in their cooperation of success.

"Good Afternoon , Ambassador Hatfield, and welcome to the Foreign Ministry of Thailand. It's a pleasure to have you and your team here to discuss the agreement on tariff reduction between our two countries. As you know, we share a commitment to enhancing our economic ties, and this agreement is an important step towards that goal. I believe that both Thailand and the United States stand to benefit greatly from the reduction of tariffs and the promotion of trade in goods. Before we begin, may I offer you and your team some refreshments?" After some friendly conversation and pleasantries, Deputy Foreign Minister Paribatra turns the conversation to the agreement's scope and coverage, emphasizing the importance of free and fair trade.

"Now, let's get down to business. As you know, this agreement applies to all goods traded between Thailand and the United States, whether wholly or partially produced or acquired in the territories of either Party, as well as those that are re-exported from a third country. We believe that this agreement will provide a framework for the progressive reduction of tariffs on goods exchanged between our two countries. It's important to note that this agreement shall be implemented in a non-discriminatory manner and that it shall not give rise to disguised restrictions on trade between the parties. We are committed to ensuring that the provisions of this agreement are implemented transparently and fairly. Do you have any questions on this chapter?"

"Chapter 2 of the agreement deals with tariff reduction. The parties agree to progressively reduce and eliminate tariffs on all goods traded between them. We will exchange tariff schedules setting out the base rates of duty for each good, as well as the schedule for tariff reductions. The parties shall eliminate tariffs on at least 90% of the total number of tariff lines on all goods traded between them within five years of the entry into force of this agreement. For the remaining 10% of tariff lines, the parties shall reduce the applied rates of duty to the base rate by an average of 50% within five years of the entry into force of this agreement. We may agree to extend the timeline for tariff elimination or reduction for specific goods or sectors, subject to mutual agreement in writing.

We will ensure that the tariff reductions under this agreement are implemented on a Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) basis, and we will cooperate and exchange information on the administration of customs procedures and the collection of tariffs to ensure the effective implementation of this agreement. We will also consult each other regularly on matters relating to the implementation of this agreement and may review and amend the schedules of tariff reductions as necessary, subject to mutual agreement in writing. Do you have any questions on this chapter?"

The Deputy Minister would stop here and discuss in detail with the US representatives.

Odinson

 

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Odinson

 

[Odinson]

"Deputy Minister, thank you for your invitation," Ambassador Hatfield said as they shook hands. "Some water would be wonderful," he added with a small smile as they took their seats.

"I appreciate the work that you and your team have gone into making this agreement. However, I have to ask, would this not have a much bigger advantage for Thailand than for the United States? American manufacturing is already at historic lows, per capita. There are closed factories - there are entire regions with closed factories - in New England and the Midwest, because so many of their factories have gone to East Asia and other countries. President Gore has worked hard to jumpstart manufacturing in Detroit and to try to bring some other cities back to their feet. From the perspective of the American blue-collar worker, how would this agreement help them, and how would this agreement benefit the United States, besides temporarily giving us access to cheaper goods than we could produce at home for slightly more?"

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Deputy Minister Somsak bowed his head slightly, feeling the weight of the question and the emotion it held. He paused for a moment to gather his thoughts, then spoke in a slow, measured tone, imbued with the depth of his conviction. "Ambassador Hatfield, I deeply understand your concerns, as they reflect not just the fate of the American people, but also that of countless citizens around the world. The global economy is an intricate tapestry, where each thread is woven together to create the bigger picture. We must recognize that we all share the same goals – a prosperous future and an opportunity to thrive for all. As such, I would like to present a different perspective, one that considers the mutual benefits and the potential for long-term growth that this agreement offers."

Deputy Minister Somsak took a sip of water before continuing, his voice steady, but filled with emotion. "Indeed, American manufacturing has faced hardships in recent decades, and the shift of factories to other regions has caused significant distress. However, this agreement represents an opportunity for our two nations to embark on a journey of strategic cooperation that goes beyond temporary access to affordable goods. By leveraging the strengths of both countries, we can create an economic synergy that fosters job creation and innovation in sectors that are crucial to the future of the global economy."

He then gestured to a chart on the table, outlining specific industries that could benefit from this partnership. "Take, for instance, the renewable energy sector. With climate change as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, we must invest in clean and sustainable energy sources. By reducing tariffs, we can facilitate the exchange of technological know-how and expertise between our nations, accelerating the development and implementation of renewable energy solutions. This, in turn, would create new jobs in both Thailand and the United States, as well as contribute to a greener future for all."

Deputy Minister Somsak's voice quivered with emotion, showcasing his dedication to the cause. "Furthermore, our nations can benefit greatly from collaborations in research and development. The United States is home to world-class institutions and a wealth of intellectual capital. By fostering partnerships with Thai researchers and institutions, we can work together to drive advancements in fields such as biotechnology, medicine, and artificial intelligence – sectors with immense potential for economic growth and societal impact."

He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in before continuing. "Lastly, Ambassador Hatfield, I want to address the concerns of the American blue-collar worker. We recognize that the global economy is evolving, and it is crucial to equip workers with the skills they need to thrive in the modern world. This agreement can catalyze educational and vocational programs that enhance workforce development, creating new opportunities for American citizens and revitalizing affected communities."

Deputy Minister Somsak took a deep breath, his eyes locked with Ambassador Hatfield's, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to their shared objectives. "In conclusion, the Tariff Reduction Agreement is not merely about short-term benefits; it is about forging a partnership that will shape the future of our two great nations. By working together, we can create an environment that supports sustainable economic growth, job creation, and social progress for both Thailand and the United States. This agreement is an investment in our shared prosperity and the well-being of generations to come."

With that, Deputy Minister Somsak fell silent, the intensity of his convictions radiating throughout the room. The air seemed to hum with the weight of his words, as both men contemplated the potential impact of their decisions on the lives of millions. Deputy Minister Somsak allowed the silence to linger, giving space for the significance of his words to reverberate through the room. The air was heavy with the gravity of their discussion, as the future of both nations hung in the balance. With a slow, deliberate movement, he reached for his glass of water, his every action imbued with the same profound intensity that marked his speech. He took a sip, then locked eyes with Ambassador Hatfield once more, his gaze unwavering and resolute.

"Ambassador Hatfield, I must also draw your attention to the remarkable progress that Thailand has made in recent times. Our nation is amid a meteoric rise, experiencing exponential growth both economically and technologically. In just two short weeks, we have witnessed an astounding surge of over $900 million in stock market capitalization and assets. Bangkok, our capital, has become a hub of innovation and cutting-edge technology, a testament to the immense potential that our country holds."

Deputy Minister Somsak's voice swelled with emotion as if the very walls of the room could feel the passion and conviction within him. "Furthermore, Thailand has taken great strides in decentralizing this technological prowess, ensuring that the benefits of our progress are not concentrated in a single location, but rather, shared across the nation. It is this spirit of inclusivity and equitable growth that makes our country a formidable partner on the world stage."

His voice, rich with the weight of his words, echoed through the chamber, underscoring the magnitude of the moment. "Thailand's unwavering commitment to sustainable development has earned us global recognition, solidifying our position as a leader in the pursuit of a better tomorrow. Our dedication to environmental preservation, resource management, and social equity is evident in every aspect of our national agenda. We do not take this responsibility lightly, and it is our fervent belief that by joining forces with the United States, we can work in harmony to build a brighter, more prosperous future for all."

Deputy Minister Somsak paused, allowing the power of his rhetoric to permeate the air, his eyes never leaving Ambassador Hatfield's. "By embracing this Tariff Reduction Agreement, we are not merely engaging in a transactional exchange; we are uniting in a shared vision for a world where opportunity, growth, and progress are accessible to all, regardless of nationality or circumstance. Ambassador Hatfield, I implore you to consider the vast potential that lies before us, as two great nations with the capacity to shape the course of history. Together, we can redefine the meaning of partnership and cooperation, forging a new era of global unity and mutual prosperity."

With that, Deputy Minister Somsak fell silent once more, his every breath echoing the strength of his convictions. The room seemed to vibrate with the intensity of his words, as the very essence of their conversation hung in the balance, poised to alter the destiny of both Thailand and the United States.

Odinson