Picture courtesy of Thai PBS WORLD

 

OPINION

 

In a statement that has sparked widespread controversy, President Donald Trump referred to a recent landmine explosion in Thailand as a "roadside accident," leaving many feeling angered and disillusioned. During a call with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Trump's remarks about the November 10 incident at Huay Santamaria were considered a stark misrepresentation of the actual circumstances. This response has increased scrutiny of the US's understanding of the complexities surrounding the Thai-Cambodian border.

 

To provide context, the incident involved landmines reportedly placed by Cambodian soldiers along the contested border area. Over the years, there have been numerous explosions, and Thailand has repeatedly called for these mines to be cleared. Despite a joint declaration on October 26 in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed by both Trump and Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, pledging cooperation in demining efforts, progress remains stalled.

 

The reaction within Thailand has been one of significant frustration. For many Thais, Trump's words not only trivialise the sacrifices made by the soldiers injured in the incident but also raise questions about the depth of the US-Thai relationship. This partnership, which began in 1833, has seen the two nations fight and train soldiers together, fostering trust over nearly two centuries. Trump's comments have raised doubts about whether this historical alliance is being disregarded.

 

Thais are now contemplating the implications of Trump's remarks, wondering if the US still respects Thailand as an equal partner in Southeast Asia. Such considerations stem not from animosity, but from disappointment and concern. The perception that Trump has solely listened to Cambodia's perspective, without sufficiently consulting Thailand, underscores the intricate nature of international diplomacy.

 

Looking forward, ASEAN is stepping in to address these frictions. A special meeting scheduled for next Monday in Kuala Lumpur represents an opportunity for the association to mediate between the two nations. Anwar Ibrahim, the outgoing ASEAN chair, faces a challenging task as he attempts to facilitate dialogue and promote reconciliation. The foundation of ASEAN, created in 1967, underscores a commitment to resolving conflicts through peaceful means, and the coming talks will test this principle.

 

The situation underscores broader questions about the role of the United States in regional cooperation and its ability to act as a mediator in international disputes. The world observes the US's handling of these tensions, emphasising that it requires careful listening and informed decision-making. The longstanding friendship between Thailand and the US deserves careful attention, ensuring that historical ties are preserved and respected, writes Thai PBS WORLD.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Trump's description of the Thai landmine incident has raised significant concerns and anger.
• The US-Thai relationship faces scrutiny amid ongoing border tensions with Cambodia.
• ASEAN's upcoming talks in Kuala Lumpur present an opportunity for peaceful resolution.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS WORLD 2025-12-18

 

 

 

<removed> in full display. 

22 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thais are now contemplating the implications of Trump's remarks

 

Which Thais? Whom exactly said this?  Name names. 

Thais question the depth of the relationship with Trump.

Somewhere between rock solid and skin deep depending on

whether there is a Trump themed building about to start

construction I would imagine ?

Maybe the accident is blown up indeed, just to get justice for crossing the border. And Thais don't think, they only believe what is being told them... and never have any critical thinking.. My partner tells me almost daily that Thai news is so bad.. same stories changing daily, to make people confused and stay away from the truth

Incorrect quotation  "roadside accident,". Very sloppy indeed. Also something I've not seen detail on was this freshly laid or a mine not detected in previous sweeps if indeed there were previous sweeps of the area.

 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Thais are now contemplating the implications of Trump's remarks, wondering if the US still respects Thailand as an equal partner in Southeast Asia

I am curious if there is any country that considers Thailand equal to them? 

I am sure China and Korea and Singapore and Malaysia as well as the Uk and Aus would not consider equal as a country. 

Thailand is still considered a 3rd world country i

3 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Incorrect quotation  "roadside accident,". Very sloppy indeed. Also something I've not seen detail on was this freshly laid or a mine not detected in previous sweeps if indeed there were previous sweeps of the area.

 

Soon we will read that it was a misunderstanding

1 hour ago, thesetat said:

I am curious if there is any country that considers Thailand equal to them? 

I am sure China and Korea and Singapore and Malaysia as well as the Uk and Aus would not consider equal as a country. 

Thailand is still considered a 3rd world country i

And they, the Thai, are doing everything they can to keep it that way.
Incidentally, when I hear my girlfriend talk, influenced by the media, Thailand is good and Cambodia is bad.
Personally, I have a different opinion on that.

6 minutes ago, Tubulat said:

Incidentally, when I hear my girlfriend talk, influenced by the media, Thailand is good and Cambodia is bad.
Personally, I have a different opinion on that.

me too but I find the patriotism very refreshing, to the extent I am envious of her freedom to think that way ..  Not allowed in the UK even most of our own media hate us

It's hard to understand why Trump put it that way, unless he had bad intelligence, or was trying to give Cambodia a way to save face and continue diplomancy. The suggestion above that the area had been swept and that mine missed is interesting, and I'd like to see a source. In any case, imo everything needs to be done to keep the land mine issue front and center, because unless Cambodia confronts it, it's anyone's guess how this may go.

This is an opinion piece, not a factual piece.

1 hour ago, Tubulat said:

And they, the Thai, are doing everything they can to keep it that way.
Incidentally, when I hear my girlfriend talk, influenced by the media, Thailand is good and Cambodia is bad.
Personally, I have a different opinion on that.

This is normal. Thais consider Cambodians and Laos and Myanmar people to be less than people. Slaves even. They look down on them with a scowl. 

17 minutes ago, thesetat said:

They look down on them with a scowl. 

they look down on everybody   why not?

7 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

they look down on everybody   why not?

Does your wife look down on you, because mine doesn't...........

5 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Incorrect quotation  "roadside accident,". Very sloppy indeed. Also something I've not seen detail on was this freshly laid or a mine not detected in previous sweeps if indeed there were previous sweeps of the area.

 

Land mines are placed intentionally with the sole intention of causing serious injury or death to the enemy. There is nothing accidental about it.

Trump incorrectly labelled a serious incident? Perhaps the Thai government should sue him personally for $10B.  

24 minutes ago, transam said:

Does your wife look down on you, because mine doesn't...........

how on earth could your wife (if you have one) not look down on you ?

17 minutes ago, Bday Prang said:

how on earth could your wife (if you have one) not look down on you ?

Aaaaaaah, you should get out more, mingle with others....😉

2 hours ago, transam said:

Does your wife look down on you, because mine doesn't...........

Mine goes down pretty regularly. An OP above asked about Trump's intelligence. (Hm.) It's well overtime for the Yanks to stay home and cancel Cobra Gold and other 'exercises' including training Thai soldiers in the US.

 

Are we say Thailand hasn't planted any mines? That they actually abide by the treaty???

3 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Mine goes down pretty regularly

I told mine that it would make her skin white, and that the real "bird of love" was not the Dove  but it is in fact  the "Swallow"    now she can't get enough

On 12/18/2025 at 5:56 AM, ikke1959 said:

Maybe the accident is blown up indeed, just to get justice for crossing the border. And Thais don't think, they only believe what is being told them... and never have any critical thinking.. My partner tells me almost daily that Thai news is so bad.. same stories changing daily, to make people confused and stay away from the truth

Sounds like what comes out of the W(S)hitehouse.

On 12/18/2025 at 6:16 AM, dinsdale said:

Incorrect quotation  "roadside accident,". Very sloppy indeed. Also something I've not seen detail on was this freshly laid or a mine not detected in previous sweeps if indeed there were previous sweeps of the area.

 

Thai F16 blowing up that casino was also an accident. Pilot accidentally pushed the trigger button while casino was in front of it. Case closed.

“Thais are now contemplating the implications of Trump's remarks, wondering if the US still respects Thailand as an equal partner in Southeast Asia. Such considerations stem not from animosity, but from disappointment and concern. The perception that Trump has solely listened to Cambodia's perspective, without sufficiently consulting Thailand, underscores the intricate nature of international diplomacy”

 

there isn’t any need to spend much time contemplating. Anyone who has paid even a small amount of attention to how Trump has treated allies around the world knows that he is out for whatever makes him look good and/ or makes him money.

 

Just my opinion

 

 

****Odd formatting removed.

These words should increase scrutiny of how callous, reckless, insensitive and incompetent Trump is. It is time for him to resign in disgrace. Let the destruction end. 

On 12/19/2025 at 8:32 AM, wensiensheng said:

“Thais are now contemplating the implications of Trump's remarks, wondering if the US still respects Thailand as an equal partner in Southeast Asia. Such considerations stem not from animosity, but from disappointment and concern. The perception that Trump has solely listened to Cambodia's perspective, without sufficiently consulting Thailand, underscores the intricate nature of international diplomacy”

 

there isn’t any need to spend much time contemplating. Anyone who has paid even a small amount of attention to how Trump has treated allies around the world knows that he is out for whatever makes him look good and/ or makes him money.

 

Just my opinion

 

****Odd formatting removed.

 

Why don't you type normally,   

Trumps an idiot. Only foolish Americans believe anything he says!

55 minutes ago, Brettoj said:

Trumps an idiot. Only foolish Americans believe anything he says!

so that's the majority of Americans insulted in just 10 words

Rumors persist that the Cambodian action is being partly financed from within Thailand.

Why doesn't Trump just mind his own bloody business.  The USA  is not the world's policeman. Those days are long gone.

On 12/18/2025 at 6:16 AM, dinsdale said:

Incorrect quotation  "roadside accident,". Very sloppy indeed. Also something I've not seen detail on was this freshly laid or a mine not detected in previous sweeps if indeed there were previous sweeps of the area.

 

"The roadside bomb that originally killed or wounded numerous Thai Soldiers was an accident but Thailand nevertheless less retaliated very strongly".  Ah, trump, a purposefully laid mine during this military conflict in no way can be considered an "accident". But one can expect no better from your lack of thinking capability. "Both countries are ready for peace and continued Trade with the United States of America." Wait, what the hell?