Bangkok: A government spokesman revealed Thailand's position towards the United States, emphasizing that Thailand separates negotiations on security issues from trade issues, and insisting that Cambodia was the first to violate the law.
According to Thai News Agency, Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat announced the latest developments on the Thai-Cambodian border situation and other issues reported to the government by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The first issue emerged from a phone conversation between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and US President Donald Trump last night, which was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The US President inquired about the latest situation at the border. The Prime Minister took the opportunity to provide an update and emphasized that both countries must adhere to the joint statement to move toward peace. He also expressed regret that Cambodia had violated the agreement, particularly regarding the deployment of new mines, despite both sides having agreed to clear them and refrain from further deployments.
Mr. Siripong stated that the Prime Minister personally inspected the area and confirmed the discovery of new illegal landmines, which resulted in serious injuries to Thai soldiers on routine patrol, including the loss of a leg. Thailand also invited an ASEAN observer delegation to the area yesterday to verify the facts. Regarding the US President's questioning of Thailand's expectations, the Prime Minister reiterated that Thailand is committed to peace, but Cambodia must acknowledge the facts, take responsibility, and implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. The most important priority is that Cambodia opens the 13 areas previously discussed to allow Thailand to safely clear mines.
The US President listened with understanding and reiterated that the US and Malaysia are ready to support the peace process forward, but does not wish to interfere with the bilateral mechanism between Thailand and Cambodia, a key position of Thailand.
Second, a telephone conversation between the Prime Minister and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim followed the conversation with the US leader to coordinate and share information. The Malaysian Prime Minister expressed his understanding and readiness to support, as ASEAN Chair, taking into account Thailand's proposal that mine clearance is a key part of the agreement under the Joint Declaration, which both the US and Malaysia have acknowledged.
On the final point, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Thailand received notification from the Deputy US Trade Representative last night that the US side has requested a temporary suspension of negotiations on the framework of the Thailand-US reciprocal tariff agreement. Discussions will resume only after Thailand pledges to strictly adhere to the Joint Declaration. Regarding this issue, the Thai government expressed disappointment in this stance, as Thailand has consistently maintained that security issues with Cambodia are bilateral matters that must be considered separately from trade, which is a mutual benefit between Thailand and the US. The US President himself reiterated during his meeting with the Prime Minister that the US does not intend to interfere in the Thai-Cambodian issue under existing bilateral mechanisms.
The government welcomes the understanding of the US President and hopes that the US position on trade and tariff issues can be discussed and negotiated further without affecting the important framework of cooperation in other areas that the two countries have had close and long-standing.
"The government reiterates that Thailand will remain firmly grounded in its national interests and maintain a clear stance on security and sovereignty. However, Thailand remains ready to cooperate with the United States on other areas of mutual interest to support regional stability, security, and economic development," said Mr. Siripong.