BANGKOK, July 8, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Thailand's acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai said Tuesday he wanted a "better deal" than the 36 percent tariff Donald Trump threatened to impose in a letter to the country.

"The most important thing is that we maintain good relations with the US," he said after the US president sent his note but extended a negotiation deadline to August 1. "Once we reassess the situation, I hope we can secure a better deal," Phumtham told reporters.