Thailand says trade talks with US to continue despite Cambodia border dispute

• Foreign Ministry earlier said Washington temporarily suspending trade negotiations

ANKARA

Thailand on Saturday said trade talks with the US will continue, and will remain separate from renewed border tensions with Cambodia.

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry said Washington had temporarily suspended trade talks until Bangkok reaffirms its commitment to a ceasefire with Cambodia.

Thai government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said US President Donald Trump told the Thai premier that the US “does not wish to interfere in the Thailand-Cambodia issue” under existing bilateral mechanisms, according to Bloomberg.

“The tariff negotiations will move forward and remain separate from border issues,” said Siripong.

The development came after a phone call between Trump and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who spoke late Friday night.

Siripong's statement came hours after Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said Bangkok received a letter from US Deputy Trade Representative regarding temporarily suspension of negotiations under the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade Framework on Friday.

Last month, Washington and Bangkok announced a framework to maintain a 19% tariff on Thai products and identify products where tariffs could be adjusted.

A civilian was killed and three others were injured in a cross-border clash between Thailand and Cambodia on Wednesday, with both sides blaming each other, just days after Thailand suspended a peace pact.

The Southeast Asian nations signed the pact last month in Kuala Lumpur in the presence of Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

On July 28, Cambodia and Thailand had agreed to an unconditional ceasefire at a trilateral meeting hosted by Anwar following weeks of hostilities.