A group of experts gathered in Bangkok on Monday to discuss what impact the new Trump administration could have on South East Asia.

The panel included professors, a journalist, and a former Thai foreign minister who met only hours before Trump took the oath of office as US President. They all expressed concern about his "America-first" foreign policy.

London School of Economics Visiting Professor Thitinan Pongsudhirak said that US will pursue its own interest with emphasis on protectionism and mercantilism.

He also said in recent years Southeast Asian countries, especially Vietnam and Thailand, have seen an increase in their trade surplus with the US. He suggests those countries may be forced to renegotiate their trade deals with the new administration.

Thammasat Business School Professor Pavida Pananond said that security concerns are growing amid geopolitical tensions.

She said it is important that each country understand how they can become more significant and indispensable in the economic supply chain so as to create their own resilience based on their own national security.

She also said that to prepare for Trump 2-point-zero, it is necessary that each government review its economic measures and corporate strategies.