Thai Government upset over US suspension of tariff talks

Thailand is disappointed with the Trump administration’s decision to suspend tariff talks with Thailand temporarily, until the Thai government promises to revive the joint declaration with Cambodia, Nikorndej Balankura, spokesman for the Thai Foreign Ministry, said today.

The US deputy trade representative informed the Thai government last night about its decision, expressing hope that the Thai government would find a solution to this problem as soon as possible, he added.

The Thai government suspended meeting its commitments under the joint declaration following a landmine explosion on Thai territory in Si Sa Ket province, in which four Thai soldiers were injured. One of them lost his lower right leg.

Nikorndej also said that Thailand appreciates the US’s attempt to ease border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, which would pave way to the restoration of sustainable peace in the region.

He stressed, however, that Thailand wants the US to separate the tariff and security issues and will continue to resolve the border conflict with Cambodia through bilateral means.

He went on to say that Thailand will continue to hold trade and tariff talks with the US and hopes that both President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will try to convince Cambodia to understand Thailand’s position.

President Trump jokingly told Prime Minister Anutin in a phone conversation last night that he might order the 19% tariff on Thai products to be lowered, if Thailand manages to clear landmines along the border with Cambodia quickly.