Thailand PM addresses economic aid and US-China AI competition

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed two key domestic and international issues. Regarding the ‘Thai Helps Thai Plus Phase 2’ initiative, he emphasized that the government aims to improve citizens' quality of life through balanced economic management rather than through welfare states or populism. He stated that the national treasury remains sufficient to support such measures.

On the international stage, the Prime Minister commented on the United States' efforts to encourage allies to choose sides in the artificial intelligence competition with China. He asserted that Thailand's neutrality in the AI race should not impact ongoing tax negotiations, noting that trade discussions are governed by specific, separate conditions. He further denied that recent high-level meetings with U.S. defense officials indicated any pressure on Thailand, describing the relationship as cooperative and friendly.