Thailand confirmed it will move forward with negotiations to finalize a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States, despite recent tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. According to government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat, discussions on tariffs will remain entirely separate from political and security issues involving Cambodia.
The clarification came after Bangkok initially stated that Washington had temporarily halted trade talks until Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Cambodia. Siripong explained that this suspension happened before a phone conversation between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and U.S. President Donald Trump late Friday.
During the call, Trump emphasized that the United States did not intend to intervene in the Thailand–Cambodia border situation beyond current bilateral frameworks. He confirmed that tariff negotiations would continue, reinforcing the separation of trade matters from regional security concerns.
In recent weeks, both nations unveiled a framework for reciprocal trade. The U.S. would retain a 19% tariff on Thai exports while identifying specific goods that could see tariff reductions or even elimination. However, Thailand received a letter from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) stating that finalizing the agreement would require Thailand to reaffirm its commitment to the joint ceasefire declaration with Cambodia.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said the talks could resume once this reaffirmation is made. The two countries still need to finalize key terms and prepare the agreement for signing before it can take effect.
The renewed diplomatic attention follows heightened border tensions after Thailand accused Cambodia of laying new landmines, injuring Thai soldiers—an allegation Cambodia denies. Trump, who also spoke with Cambodian leaders, said he believed the situation “was going to be fine.”
Following the call, Anutin shared on Facebook that he requested a reduction in the 19% tariff. Trump reportedly responded that the rate was already relatively low but would consider adjustments if Thailand completed landmine removal efforts quickly.
This unfolding situation places both trade relations and regional stability at the center of U.S.–Thailand diplomacy.


Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal
Trump Signs “America First Arms Transfer Strategy” to Prioritize U.S. Weapons Sales
TrumpRx.gov Highlights GLP-1 Drug Discounts but Offers Limited Savings for Most Americans
Jack Lang Resigns as Head of Arab World Institute Amid Epstein Controversy
Japan Election 2026: Sanae Takaichi Poised for Landslide Win Despite Record Snowfall
Pentagon Ends Military Education Programs With Harvard University
U.S. Announces Additional $6 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Cuba Amid Oil Sanctions and Fuel Shortages
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility
U.S. Lawmakers to Review Unredacted Jeffrey Epstein DOJ Files Starting Monday
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure
Nighttime Shelling Causes Serious Damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region Near Ukraine Border
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record
Trump Says “Very Good Talks” Underway on Russia-Ukraine War as Peace Efforts Continue
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 



