Thai government “disappointed” as US suspends tariff talks; insists Cambodia violated peace agreement
Thailand expresses disappointment after the US pauses bilateral tariff negotiations, while Bangkok reiterates that Cambodia breached the Thai-Cambodian peace accord by planting new landmines.
Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat on Saturday briefed the media on the latest developments regarding the Thai-Cambodian border situation and related matters reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
PM briefs Trump on border situation
Siripong said the update followed last night’s telephone discussion between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and US President Donald Trump, with the Foreign Minister also present. The US president asked about the latest situation along the border, giving the Thai prime minister an opportunity to reaffirm that both countries must adhere to the Joint Declaration to advance the peace process.
Prime Minister Anutin expressed regret that Cambodia violated the agreement first, particularly by planting new landmines, despite both sides having agreed to clear existing mines and refrain from installing new ones.
The spokesperson said the prime minister personally inspected the area and confirmed that new mines had been illegally planted, seriously injuring a Thai patrol soldier who lost a leg. Thailand also invited ASEAN observers to the area yesterday to verify the facts.
When asked by President Trump what Thailand expected, the prime minister stressed that Thailand remains committed to peace, but Cambodia must acknowledge the facts, take responsibility, and ensure such incidents do not recur. Crucially, Cambodia must open the 13 agreed sites to allow Thailand to carry out safe demining operations.
President Trump expressed understanding, adding that the US and Malaysia stand ready to support ongoing peace efforts, but do not wish to interfere in the existing bilateral mechanisms between Thailand and Cambodia — a key position Thailand has insisted upon.
Coordination with Malaysia
Siripong also reported on Prime Minister Anutin’s subsequent call with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who welcomed Thailand’s clarification. As ASEAN chair, Malaysia reaffirmed support for Thailand’s stance that mine clearance is central to the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration, and both Washington and Kuala Lumpur have acknowledged Thailand’s position.
US suspends tariff negotiations
The Foreign Ministry also informed the cabinet that the US Deputy Trade Representative had notified Thailand the previous night of Washington’s decision to temporarily suspend negotiations on the Thai-US reciprocal tariff agreement. Talks will resume only once Thailand fully recommits to the Joint Declaration.
The Thai government expressed disappointment, reiterating that security issues with Cambodia are a bilateral matter that must be considered separately from trade, which is a shared Thai-US interest. President Trump himself reaffirmed to Prime Minister Anutin that the US has no intention of intervening in the Thai-Cambodian dispute.
The government welcomes the US president’s understanding and hopes that trade and tariff discussions can continue without affecting the broader, long-standing cooperation between the two countries.
Siripong concluded: “Thailand will stand firm on its national interest, safeguarding our security and sovereignty. At the same time, Thailand remains ready to work with the United States across all areas of mutual benefit, in support of regional stability, security, and economic development.”
