Friday evening, Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held a telephone discussion with US President Donald Trump covering the ongoing Thailand–Cambodia border situation and guidelines for trade negotiations between Thailand and the USA.
Regarding the border conflict, President Trump expressed concern and desired the situation to align once more with the Joint Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Anutin clarified that Thailand has always adhered to the declaration, stressing that Cambodia was the party responsible for the violations. Anutin explained to Trump that Thailand was not initiating aggression but was forced to retaliate when Cambodian violations led to the loss of life, limbs, or property, as protecting the sovereignty, territory, and citizens of Thailand is paramount.
While President Trump requested a ceasefire, Anutin insisted that Cambodia must demonstrate concrete steps, including stopping firing, withdrawing forces, and clearing mines, arguing that the party that violated the agreement must initiate the resolution. Trump ultimately expressed understanding and agreed to open direct lines of communication between the respective Foreign Ministers for immediate coordination. Both leaders shared the common objective of preventing further loss of life.
The conversation also touched upon US–Thailand trade matters, specifically tariffs. President Trump reportedly initiated the discussion on trade, reaffirming his promise to reduce US tariffs for Thailand. Trump promised that Thailand would receive better treatment than other countries, acknowledging that he had previously forgotten to implement the tariff reduction order due to a busy schedule. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun will now lead the formal negotiations to hammer out the detailed figures, using the framework discussed by the two leaders.
Following the talk, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, claiming that “the roadside bomb that originally killed and wounded numerous Thai soldiers was an accident.” Despite labeling the bomb an accident, Trump noted that “Thailand nevertheless retaliated very strongly.”
This description contrasts with Premier Anutin’s previous explanation to Trump, where Anutin asserted that Thailand was forced to retaliate when Cambodian violations of the Joint Declaration, emphasizing that Thailand was defending its sovereignty and not initiating aggression. Anutin had previously insisted that Cambodia, as the violating party, must demonstrate concrete steps such as stopping firing, withdrawing forces, and clearing mines before Thailand would comply with a ceasefire request.
Trump concluded his post by expressing his honor in assisting Anutin and Hun Manet in resolving what he believed could have become a “major war” between the two nations. He also affirmed that both countries are ready for peace and “continued trade with the United States of America.”
