Chula Business School Hosts “Business During Trump” Analyzing Global Trade Policies in the Trump Era and Their Impact on Thai Business

On Friday, May 2, 2025 the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy at Chulalongkorn University held an academic seminar titled “Business During Trump: Thai Business After Trump’s Policies” at CBS Cinema, Chaiyossombat Building 1, Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Chulalongkorn University. The event featured perspectives from three department heads within the faculty, examining the impact U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s policies on Thailand and the broader region. Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, delivered the opening speech, while Associate Professor Dr. Tartat Mokkhamakkul, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, presented the seminar report. 

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat emphasized Chulalongkorn University’s role not only in providing education at various levels but also in guiding Thai society toward improved quality of life and strategic responses to foreign policy challenges. He noted that the insights shared by the three department heads serve as valuable lessons that can inform the government and other stakeholders. 

The university president remarked that in times of trade wars, the losing side must find strategic ways to respond. Those with wisdom should transform trade conflicts into trade peace. When peace prevails, everyone wins—there is no need for anyone to suffer economic defeat. Chulalongkorn’s mission is not only to develop Future Leaders for Thailand but to foster Global Citizens—leaders who embody a spirit of giving. Effective strategy management requires a broad perspective, not a narrow one. Trump’s “America First” policy reflected an inward-looking stance, and victories achieved by causing others to lose are not sustainable. 

Associate Professor Dr. Tartat Mokkhamakkul explained that the seminar aimed to explore the business impacts of Donald Trump’s policies. It provided a valuable opportunity for three department heads to share academic perspectives that the business sector could put into practice. In the future, the faculty plans to hold more seminars on other topics beneficial to society, the business sector, and the country. 

The seminar featured insights from three department heads: 

• Associate Professor Dr. Somchanok Passakonjaras, Head of the Department of Commerce 
• Assistant Professor Dr. Ratchai Silacharoen, Head of the Department of Banking and Finance 
• Assistant Professor Dr. Ake Pattaratanakun, Head of the Department of Marketing 

The session was moderated by Thiraput Pitichat, Assistant to the President of Chulalongkorn University. The discussion highlighted critical issues for Thai society, the economy, and businesses, especially the shifting global order that continues to drive economic volatility both internationally and domestically. 

The speakers suggested that businesses should mitigate risks in their supply chains, deepen their understanding of consumer behavior (deep consumer insight), and place greater emphasis on domestic consumption and the local economy. Moreover, they should prepare for increased competition in pricing and costs from countries affected by U.S. tariffs that might now compete with Thailand in export markets. 

This seminar represented another significant initiative by Chulalongkorn Business School to connect global economic knowledge with the Thai context, reinforcing Chulalongkorn University’s mission to be “the solution for society” in addressing the challenges of the modern world. 

The seminar is available for replay (Only Thai version) at: https://www.facebook.com/CBSChula 

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