Thailand says tariffs must not be used to force peace with Cambodia
12/9/2025 2:16:33 PM
The threat of tariffs should not be used to pressure Thailand to start talks with Cambodia and halt renewed border fighting, Thailand’s foreign minister has told Reuters news agency.
After fierce clashes between the Southeast Asian nations in July, President Trump intervened by telling leaders of both countries their negotiations with the US for lower trade tariff rates would be put on hold unless they stopped fighting.
“We don’t think tariffs should be used to pressure Thailand to get back to the joint declaration, to get back to a dialogue process,” Sihasak Phuangketkeow said.
“You have to separate the issue of Thai-Cambodia relations from the issue of the trade talks.”
After fierce clashes between the Southeast Asian nations in July, President Trump intervened by telling leaders of both countries their negotiations with the US for lower trade tariff rates would be put on hold unless they stopped fighting.
“We don’t think tariffs should be used to pressure Thailand to get back to the joint declaration, to get back to a dialogue process,” Sihasak Phuangketkeow said.
“You have to separate the issue of Thai-Cambodia relations from the issue of the trade talks.”