But the meeting will surely take place, said Deputy Government Spokesman Lt-General Werachon Sukondhapatipak.

Thai authorities will continue to prepare information and talking points for the bilateral discussion, he added.

And Trump’s invitation to Prayut via introductory phone call in April also remains in effect, Werachon said, citing the US Embassy in Bangkok.

However, Werachon could not confirm whether the meeting would take place this year, given Prayut’s busy schedule for the rest of the year, including the Royal Funeral of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October and other Royal ceremonies later this year.

Since late May, the Commerce Ministry and Foreign Ministry have been responding to Prayut’s orders to prepare for the Trump meeting with points on issues including trade and investment, intellectual property and security matters.

Military chiefs also took stock of US-made military hardware, including the Army’s 12 Black Hawk helicopters, to provide Prayut with adequate information prior to his visit to White House.

However, Defence Ministry spokesperson Maj-General Kongcheep Tantrawanich said that that this did not mean Thailand expects to agree on military purchases from the US any time soon.