Thailand claims that despite the Cambodia disagreement, US trade discussions will continue
Thailand will proceed with discussions to finalize a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States, a government spokesperson announced on Saturday, noting that these talks will be distinct from matters concerning its border dispute with Cambodia.
On Saturday, Bangkok announced that Washington was halting negotiations until the Thai government reiterated its commitment to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement with Cambodia.
Nonetheless, the temporary suspension took place prior to a conversation between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and U.S. President Donald Trump late on Friday, as stated by Thai government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat.
“Tariff negotiations will proceed and will be distinct from border matters,” Siripong stated, noting that Trump had informed Anutin that the U.S. did not intend to intervene in the Thailand–Cambodia situation within the current bilateral frameworks.
Last month, Washington and Bangkok unveiled a framework for reciprocal trade, which will allow the U.S. to uphold a 19% tariff on Thai products while pinpointing items where tariffs might be modified or eliminated entirely.
On Friday night, a letter from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative was received concerning the suspension of talks to finalize the details of the trade deal, as reported by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura.
He referenced the USTR letter, indicating that trade negotiations might restart once Thailand reaffirmed its dedication to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration with Cambodia.
The two parties need to engage in negotiations to finalize the specifics of the trade agreement and ready it for signing prior to its implementation.
On Friday night, Trump engaged in discussions with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia following a resurgence of border tensions earlier in the week, expressing his belief that they would “be fine”.
This week, Thailand suspended the ceasefire agreement and called for an apology regarding accusations that Cambodia had deployed new landmines, resulting in injuries to Thai soldiers, a claim that Cambodia refutes.
Trump did not address the reported USTR letter indicating that trade talks had been suspended. No reference to it was found on the USTR or White House websites.
Anutin stated in a Facebook post following his conversation with Trump that he requested a reduction in the 19% tariff on Thai goods.
Trump responded that the rate was already low, Anutin noted, but he would take the request into account if the removal of landmines along the Cambodia border was expedited.
