The United States is treating tariff talks with Thailand and Thailand’s suspension of joint declaration commitments with Cambodia as separate issues and they should not be intertwined, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul claimed today, quoting Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
He disclosed that Anwar called him last night to inform him his latest telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, over the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) suspension of tariff talks with Thailand until Thailand has revived the joint declaration with Cambodia.
Anwar reportedly told him that President Trump supports Thailand’s demining efforts for humanitarian reasons and has urged Thailand to carry out the efforts quickly. Regarding the tariff talks, Anwar reported that President Trump promised not to link the tariff issue to the declaration.
Anutin also said that he asked Anwar whether he could convey President Trump’s promise on social media, to inform the Thai public about the US position regarding the two issues.
He also disclosed that the USTR’ notification of the suspension of tariff talks with Thailand was received on Friday night, one day ahead of his telephone conversation with President Trump.
Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said yesterday that Thailand is ready to resume tariff talks with the US and complete them within the set timeline, adding that the Thai government will, nonetheless, attach utmost importance to defending Thai sovereignty and national security.
She said the Commerce Ministry has stepped up efforts to address the issue of transshipped goods, to convince the US government and its private sector of Thailand’s transparency and compliance with international standards over this issue.
She expressed optimism that the tariff talks can be concluded quickly for both country’s mutual benefit.
