Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat addressed the outcome of a telephone conversation between Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, and US President Donald Trump, in which the Minister of Foreign Affairs was also present. 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 abide by 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 that Cambodia must acknowledge the facts, take responsibility, and implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. The most important priority is that Cambodia open 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.
Regarding the final issue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Thailand received notification from the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative last night that the United States has requested a temporary suspension of negotiations on the framework of the Thailand-U.S. Reciprocal Tariff Agreement. Discussions will resume once Thailand has pledged to strictly comply with the Joint Declaration.
On this issue, the Thai government expressed disappointment in this stance, as Thailand has consistently maintained that security issues with Cambodia are bilateral and must be considered separately from trade, which is a mutual interest between Thailand and the United States. The US President also 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 welcomed the US President’s understanding and hopes that the US position on trade and tariffs can be discussed and negotiated further without affecting the long-standing and important cooperation frameworks between the two countries. “The government reiterates that Thailand will firmly adhere to its national interests and maintain a clear stance on security and sovereignty. However, Thailand remains ready to cooperate with the US on other areas of mutual interest to support stability, security, and economic development in the region,” said Mr. Siripong.
