Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul revealed that US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim contacted him late on 14 November to discuss rising tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. Both leaders urged restraint and adherence to the Kuala Lumpur Declaration signed on 26 October 2025, following Thailand’s accusation that Cambodia had violated the agreement. Anutin confirmed that Thailand would assess their advice alongside its own security information.

 

Thailand reported that foreign observers had inspected the site and verified four newly planted landmines inside Thai territory after the October agreement. One Thai soldier was seriously injured, losing a foot during a routine patrol at Phu Makua. Anutin said Thailand will suspend its obligations under the declaration until Cambodia acknowledges responsibility and issues a public apology.

 

During the calls, Anutin stressed Thailand’s commitment to regional peace but emphasised that it retains the right to protect its sovereignty and citizens. He urged Trump and Anwar to press Phnom Penh to comply fully with the agreement and allow unhindered Thai demining operations at 13 pre-designated areas. Anutin warned that Cambodia’s refusal to accept wrongdoing could undermine public trust and complicate future peace efforts.

 

Following the calls, Thailand received a letter from the US Trade Representative requesting a temporary suspension of negotiations on the Thailand-US reciprocal trade framework agreement. Talks will resume once Thailand commits to implementing the joint statement. Thai officials emphasised that border security issues and trade matters should remain separate, while continuing to pursue Free Trade Agreements and international economic cooperation.

 

Amarin reported that Thailand will proceed based on national interests, prioritising peace while awaiting Cambodia’s response. Relevant agencies will continue negotiations on tariffs and landmine clearance, with international support expected to pressure Cambodia to meet its obligations.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Trump and Anwar personally urged Thailand and Cambodia to adhere to the Kuala Lumpur Declaration.

• Thailand will suspend obligations until Cambodia acknowledges responsibility for newly planted landmines.

• Further US tariff reductions may follow if Thai demining proceeds without Cambodian obstruction.

 

Related Stories

 

Thailand-suspends-accord-with-Cambodia-over-border-landmines

 

Thai-soldier-injured-in-Si-Sa-Ket-landmine-explosion

 

 

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Amarin 2025-11-15

 

 

 

 

UPDATE
US Assures Thailand Tariffs Not Tied to Declaration Dispute

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced early on 16 November that the United States has reassured Thailand it will not connect the suspension of the Thai-Cambodian border declaration with ongoing trade tariff negotiations. He said the message was relayed to him by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as ASEAN Chair. The statement aims to calm concerns following heightened tensions surrounding the declaration and its implementation.

 

Anutin posted at 01:44 on his Facebook page that Anwar had phoned him again late on 15 November 2025. According to Anutin, Anwar confirmed that he had revisited the issue with US President Donald Trump after their earlier discussion. Trump was said to have agreed with Thailand’s position that humanitarian demining remains a critical component of the declaration jointly signed by Thailand and Cambodia.

 

In the post, Anutin quoted Trump as urging Thailand to expedite mine-clearing operations because of the danger posed to people in both countries. Trump also reportedly conveyed, via Anwar, that the United States “will not link Thailand’s suspension of the Declaration, due to Cambodia’s violation of its conditions, to the ongoing trade tariff negotiations between Thailand and the United States.” Anutin said he asked Anwar for permission to publish the message, and Anwar replied, “Go ahead and post it, Anutin,” adding that he would issue his own confirmation.

 

The background to the announcement includes a letter from the US Trade Representative that indicated a suspension of trade negotiations with Thailand. Anutin noted that the letter had been printed before he spoke directly with Trump on the evening of Friday, 14 November. He said this timeline showed that his information reflects the most up-to-date communication on the issue.

 

The reassurance from Washington may ease immediate concerns that the diplomatic dispute over the declaration could spill into trade discussions. It also signals continued international engagement as tensions between Thailand and Cambodia remain under scrutiny. The reference to demining underscores its importance as both a humanitarian and political matter.

 

Khoasod reported that Anutin indicated that further updates may come once Anwar releases his own public confirmation. Thailand is expected to continue pressing ahead with demining operations in line with Trump’s request. Observers will be watching for any additional communication from the United States regarding the trade talks and the status of the declaration.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• The United States has reiterated that tariff negotiations are not tied to Thailand’s suspension of the Thai-Cambodian declaration.

• Anwar Ibrahim relayed Donald Trump’s support for rapid humanitarian demining along the border.

• Anutin stated that the earlier USTR letter pre-dated his call with Trump, making his update the most current.

 

 

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Khaosod 2025-11-15

 

 

 

Trump.

 

Meddling.

Trump would be better off sorting out his own problems instead of interfering with other countries disputes.

43 minutes ago, Mason45 said:

Trump would be better off sorting out his own problems instead of interfering with other countries disputes.

I guess what you fail to see is problems in other countries also affect countries like the UK , USA and China and Aus. 

Also, it is not interfering when when trying to deescalate a situation that could adversely affect your own country. 

One more note! This OP has nothing to do with Trumps interference in the escaltion that is occuring. In fact, if you read the OP, The US is saying the escalation will not affect the trade tariffs. So you are ranting for no reason. 

15 minutes ago, thesetat said:

I guess what you fail to see is problems in other countries also affect countries like the UK , USA and China and Aus. 

Also, it is not interfering when when trying to deescalate a situation that could adversely affect your own country. 

One more note! This OP has nothing to do with Trumps interference in the escaltion that is occuring. In fact, if you read the OP, The US is saying the escalation will not affect the trade tariffs. So you are ranting for no reason. 

 

Look at who's "ranting" now.

 

A Thai soldier's foot gets blown off by a landmine, allegedly planted by Cambodian military inside Thai territory. How does this affect the average Joe in Biloxi?

 

Of course, this Administration is going to back pedal on any linkage to trade deals, regardless of how many have been publicly acknowledged that they were coerced via tariff negotiations. The letter from the US Trade Representative is just another case of 'bad timing' I guess.

33 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

 

Look at who's "ranting" now.

 

A Thai soldier's foot gets blown off by a landmine, allegedly planted by Cambodian military inside Thai territory. How does this affect the average Joe in Biloxi?

 

Of course, this Administration is going to back pedal on any linkage to trade deals, regardless of how many have been publicly acknowledged that they were coerced via tariff negotiations. The letter from the US Trade Representative is just another case of 'bad timing' I guess.

Still ranting huh? Nothing was said about that poor soldier who stepped on the landmine. That is the reason for the escalation which also has nothing to do with my reply to you previously. The escalation itself is what I affect the escalation can have with other countries was what I was talking about. 

6 minutes ago, thesetat said:

Still ranting huh? Nothing was said about that poor soldier who stepped on the landmine. That is the reason for the escalation which also has nothing to do with my reply to you previously. The escalation itself is what I affect the escalation can have with other countries was what I was talking about. 

 

So it DOESN'T affect Joe in Biloxi after all.

 

Thought so.

I believe it shows which country is making the problems

I thought Anutin said he didn't need the US, because he had China on his side. Adjust tariffs accordingly, Trump.