Kantathi discussed the proposed FTA with his US counterpart Condoleezza Rice, as well as trade privileges for Thai exports to the US under the latter's generalised system of preference, or GSP, as part of wide-ranging talks on bilateral ties, he told the Thai News Agency.

He has informed Rice that Thailand views the FTA as a sensitive issue requiring public and parliamentary participation, Kantathi said.

The caretaker government will leave further FTA negotiations up to the next government so that Parliament and the public can have a say, he said.

"I explained the reasons for the postponement of the Thai-US FTA talks to Dr Rice," he said.

Previously, a spokeswoman from the US Trade Representative suggested that Thai and US officials resume unofficial talks on technical issues and leave the more important issues for the next government to decide. Kantathi said he also asked Washington to extend GSP privileges for some Thai exports to support Thai entrepreneurs, particularly those running small and medium-sized enterprises.

The GSP is designed to help developing countries and Washington reportedly plans to end Thailand's eligibility for it later this year, citing the Kingdom's economic development.