Bangkok: The Minister of Commerce revealed that the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border and the negotiation of US tariffs has become a double problem when President Trump stated that he will not negotiate any trade if the two countries continue to clash. The final outcome depends on the decision of the government. The Ministry of Commerce provided complete information for negotiations with the US with the position of protecting the country’s interests.
According to Thai News Agency, Commerce Minister Jatuporn Buruspat spoke about President Donald Trump’s statement that he would not make any trade agreements with both Thailand and Cambodia if there were still clashes along the border. Jatuporn admitted that it was a redundant situation and that he needed to monitor it closely.
Thailand has submitted complete trade information in the process of tariff negotiations with the United States, which is in the final stretch before the new US tariffs are set to take effect on August 1. However, tensions have arisen along the Thai-Cambodian border at the same time. The final outcome still depends on decisions at the government level, he said. If the fighting is prolonged, there will be risks to trade confidence.
Mr. Jatuporn viewed the US ceasefire proposal as a good intention, but it must follow both diplomatic and security procedures. Thailand has a clear position on protecting its sovereignty and encouraged the soldiers and people in the border areas.
In terms of domestic care, Mr. Jatuporn reiterated that he had ordered since the first day of the clashes that essential goods would not be in short supply, prices would not be raised unreasonably, and that people would have access to them, especially in border areas and neighboring provinces. He also prepared measures to help affected entrepreneurs in both the short and long term, including finding solutions for logistics and alternative trade routes.
It also assigned Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Minister of Commerce, to deliver essential items to the frontlines to support their duty to protect the integrity of the country.
Mr. Poj Aramwattananon, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, said that he would like to thank President Trump for his good intentions, hoping for peace in both Thailand and Cambodia so that the people of both countries do not have to suffer. He believes that the government will consider the ceasefire proposal based on the protection of sovereignty and the benefits of the country. However, if the ceasefire occurs, it will have a positive effect on the safety of the people along the border, and trade and investment activities between the two countries will return to normal.
Mr. Poj said that he would like to send encouragement to the Thai military personnel and all security agencies that are doing their duty strongly to protect the sovereignty of the nation. He also prayed for the safety of all citizens and hoped that the situation would improve soon.