BANGKOK — Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has softened his recent aggressive rhetoric toward Cambodia, following heavy criticism that his nationalist posturing could jeopardize trade negotiations with the United States.
Simultaneously, he insisted that U.S. President Donald Trump has promised a minor reduction in import tariffs for Thailand if the kingdom rapidly clears landmines along its border with Cambodia.
Anutin made the remarks in his first interview with the media on November 18, after returning from a trip to China. During his time away, he spoke by telephone with both President Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This coincided with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) formally notifying Thailand that trade talks had been suspended until Thailand complies with the peace declaration witnessed by Trump and concerning Cambodia.
The prime minister said President Trump was direct and transparent in their conversation, stating the U.S. was concerned about landmine clearance.
“The U.S. wants to see something, as he said to me,” Anutin stated, adding that there was “no negotiation whatsoever.”
The U.S. concern stems from the possibility that if Cambodia violates the declaration, Thailand would be forced to suspend its own compliance, which includes landmine clearance. Anutin stressed that “suspend is not cancel” and reaffirmed that mine clearance is a Thai decision now aligned with the principle of Humanitarian Demining, which Cambodia has requested Thailand follow.
“This aligns with what President Trump wants, so it is considered clear. The U.S. is happy,” Anutin said. “The U.S. will talk to the Cambodian side to ensure there are no obstructions and to expedite the mine clearance.” Anutin then quoted the president, saying that if the clearance is done quickly, “he will chop few percentage of tariffs.”
“I don’t know if he was joking or not,” Anutin added, “but when someone of this level talks to us, we must speed up our part.”
The prime minister maintained that the USTR letter suspending talks was issued before his conversation with Trump, and that once the situation was clarified, the suspension was lifted. He defended his shifting public statements as necessary to achieve the greatest benefit for the country and its citizens, stressing that trade negotiations aim to reduce the cost of living for Thais, while international conflict resolution must prioritize national security.
Addressing public concern that Cambodia might not comply with the U.S., Anutin noted that the U.S. is a witness to the peace pact, and Thailand has already submitted 11 statements detailing violations. He said Cambodia has since expressed regret, with only a formal apology remaining.
When asked if Thailand would still engage with Cambodia should it continue to act hostile, Anutin referenced the military’s position: shaking hands is a matter of courtesy, just as he greets opposition politicians with a smile and a wai. However, he stressed that principles dictate full compliance with the peace declaration can only resume when Cambodia’s hostile actions cease to pose a threat to Thailand’s national security.
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