Thailand will proceed with talks to finalise a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States, a government spokesperson confirmed on Saturday. The discussions will be kept separate from the ongoing border dispute with Cambodia.
Earlier on Saturday, Bangkok had stated that Washington was suspending negotiations until the Thai government reiterated its commitment to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement with Cambodia. However, the temporary suspension came before a phone call between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and U.S. President Donald Trump late on Friday, as noted by Thai government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat.
"Tariff negotiations will continue independently of the border issues," Siripong said, adding that Trump had assured Anutin that the U.S. did not wish to interfere in the Thailand-Cambodia situation under existing bilateral frameworks.
Last month, Washington and Bangkok announced a framework for reciprocal trade, which would see the U.S. maintain a 19% tariff on Thai products while identifying certain items where tariffs could potentially be adjusted or eliminated.
The Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nikorndej Balankura, said that a letter from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) confirming the suspension of talks was received on Friday night. The letter stated that trade negotiations could resume once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement with Cambodia.
Both sides must finalise the details of the trade deal before it can be signed and take effect.
Following the phone call with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia on Friday, Trump said he believed the two countries would "be fine". This came after renewed border tensions earlier in the week, with Thailand suspending the ceasefire agreement and demanding an apology from Cambodia over allegations that fresh landmines had been laid, injuring Thai soldiers, claims Cambodia denies.
Trump did not refer to the USTR letter in his conversation, and it was not mentioned on the USTR or White House websites.
In a Facebook post after speaking with Trump, Anutin stated that he had requested a reduction in the 19% tariff on Thai goods. Trump responded that the rate was already low but would consider the request if landmine removal along the Cambodia border was completed swiftly.
Suhail Shaheen, Afghanistan’s ambassador in Doha, has again urged the United Nations to transfer Afghanistan’s seat at the UN to the Taliban-led a...
The Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami unveiled that the country’s civilian nuclear program has been the target of i...
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he would have a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday to discuss peace efforts between Uk...
Russian athletes will not be allowed to represent their country at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics even if a peace deal is reached with Ukraine, In...
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Friday to come to the aid of protesters in Iran if security forces fire on them, days into unrest that has l...
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he would have a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday to discuss peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia as well as issues surrounding Gaza.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 2nd of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Democrat Zohran Mamdani officially took office as New York City’s mayor on Thursday, beginning his term with a public swearing-in ceremony on the steps of City Hall.
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of targeting civilians during New Year attacks, as intensified fighting coincided with U.S.-led efforts to push both sides towards ending the nearly four-year war.
Dozens of people are feared dead and around 100 others injured after an explosion tore through a crowded bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, authorities said.
At least 47 people were killed and 112 injured after a fire broke out at a crowded bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana during New Year’s Eve celebrations, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Italian media on Thursday.
India has approved a major arms deal with Israel valued at approximately $8.7 billion, highlighting the deepening defence partnership between the two countries.
Russian athletes will not be allowed to represent their country at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics even if a peace deal is reached with Ukraine, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry said in an interview with an Italian newspaper.
India and Pakistan on Thursday exchanged lists of nuclear facilities as well as civilian prisoners, under long-standing bilateral agreements, according to official statements from both countries.
Suhail Shaheen, Afghanistan’s ambassador in Doha, has again urged the United Nations to transfer Afghanistan’s seat at the UN to the Taliban-led administration, arguing the current arrangement no longer reflects realities in the country.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said he would have a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday to discuss peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia as well as issues surrounding Gaza.
Russian athletes will not be allowed to represent their country at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics even if a peace deal is reached with Ukraine, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry said in an interview with an Italian newspaper.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 2nd of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Venezuela’s government has released 88 more people detained after protests following last year’s presidential election, the second mass release in two weeks, as pressure mounts from the United States on President Nicolás Maduro.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment