BANGKOK, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Most Thai experts think that Thailand is likely to be only indirectly affected by US policy changes under the new administration, after Donald Trump was sworn in as the new U.S. president Friday.
Trump's pledges to boost U.S. economy and make America first in his unusual speech has been well noted by Thai experts.
"Trump's America First' policies will only matter to the U.S. domestic affairs," said Viboonpong Poonprasit, a political science lecturer from Thammasat University.
"Barack Obama's Pivot to Asia' will likely be reduced significantly. Only economic talks will persist, which will actually fit ASEAN's main activities and its diverse nature."
Meanwhile, Washington's impending abandonment of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade compact would allow Thailand to engage in more direct, bilateral talks with the western power.
"The US's exit will be a fair reason for Thailand not to jump into it," Viboonpong said.
Trump has outlined a bold plan to create 25 million new American jobs in the next decade. He would also start his trade policy by withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and making certain that any new trade deals are in the interests of American workers, according to the White House website updated as he took the oath of office on Friday.
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