Thailand says US suspending talks on trade framework over Cambodia truce dispute
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Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said trade talks with the US could resume once Bangkok reaffirms its commitment to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration with Cambodia.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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BANGKOK – The United States is suspending talks with Thailand on finalising a reciprocal trade deal until the Thai government reaffirms its commitment to a ceasefire with Cambodia, Bangkok said on Nov 15.
Thailand said earlier that the US-brokered ceasefire alleged breaches by Phnom Penh
A letter from the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) announcing the suspension of talks to conclude details of the trade deal was received late on Nov 14, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura told reporters.
He quoted the USTR letter as saying trade negotiations could resume once Thailand reaffirms its commitment to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration with Cambodia.
The two sides must negotiate and finalise details of the trade deal and prepare it for signature before it takes effect.
In October, Washington and Bangkok announced a framework for reciprocal trade that would see the US maintain a 19 per cent tariff on Thai products while identifying products where tariffs could potentially be adjusted or cut to zero.
Separately, US President Donald Trump spoke with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia late on Nov 14 after border tensions re-escalated this week, and said he thought they were “going to be fine”
He made no mention of the reported USTR letter saying trade talks were suspended.
There was also no mention of it on the USTR or White House websites, where news on trade talks with other countries was posted.
Thailand this week suspended the ceasefire deal and demanded an apology over allegations that Cambodia laid fresh landmines that injured Thai soldiers, which Cambodia denies.
Mr Nikorndej, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, said Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul explained the matter to Mr Trump during their call, and the US President “expressed understanding regarding the issue”.
In a Facebook post after the call, Mr Anutin said he asked Mr Trump for a cut in the 19 per cent tariff on Thai goods.
He said Mr Trump replied that it is already a low rate, but he will consider the request if the removal of landmines along the border with Cambodia is completed quickly. REUTERS
