The United States has paused trade negotiations with Thailand due to tensions on the border with Cambodia, after Bangkok suspended the peace agreement signed in October with the mediation of President Donald Trump.
In a statement, the Thai Foreign Ministry reported on Saturday that it has received a letter from the U.S. administration announcing its decision to temporarily suspend negotiations, which "could resume once Thailand reaffirms its commitment to implement" the agreement, brokered by Trump.
According to Bangkok, Washington said in its letter that it hopes Thailand and Cambodia can "reach a solution to this issue as soon as possible," three days after the armies of both countries accused each other of exchanging fire on their common border, which resulted in one death and three injuries on the Cambodian side.
"Thailand expressed its disappointment at this approach, as it has repeatedly emphasized that security issues should not be linked to the commercial matters being discussed between Thailand and the United States, which represent the mutual interest of both countries," the statement continues.
The Asian country reiterated that it will seek "to expand economic opportunities through free trade agreement negotiations, the opening of new markets, and participation in international economic cooperation frameworks."
The Thai government, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, said it is willing to support the United States and recognize its role in reducing tensions with Cambodia, "to pave the way for lasting peace."
However, during a phone call on Friday night, Anutin told Trump that in the current situation Thailand "must reserve the right to take the necessary measures to protect its sovereignty," while waiting for Cambodia to recognize that it has violated the agreement.
Thailand suspended the peace agreement with Cambodia on Monday after one of its soldiers lost a leg to a landmine, which Bangkok claims was recently placed in the border area, while Phnom Penh alleges it is a remnant of past conflicts.
On Friday, Trump told reporters while traveling on the presidential plane to Florida that the mere announcement of possible U.S. tariffs was enough to halt an escalation between the two countries after speaking separately with Anutin and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Bangkok and Phnom Penh dispute the sovereignty of some territories on their border.
