Bangkok,November 15 (AseanAll) — On November 15, 2025, Thai Government Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat disclosed about the latest situation of Thailand-Cambodia border and related issues.
With regard to a phone conversation between Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and US President Donald Trump the night before, which Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs also joined, the Prime Minister, in response to the US President’s inquiry, provided an update on the latest situation at the border and emphasized that the joint declaration must be mutually abided by in order to move toward peace. Regretfully, Cambodia violated the agreement, specifically concerning the newly-planted anti-personnel mines, despite an earlier-agreed condition to clear existing mines and cease further installation.
The Thai Prime Minister personally inspected the area and confirmed the discovery of newly-planted landmines, which seriously injured the Thai soldiers who were on regular patrol, one of whom has lost his leg. Thailand also invited the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) to the area yesterday to verify the facts. The Prime Minister reiterated that Thailand is committed to making peace, but Cambodia must admit what really happened and demonstrate responsibility. They must also implement measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring. The most crucial demand is for Cambodia to open the 13 previously-discussed areas to allow Thailand to safely proceed with demining operations.
The US President acknowledged the Thai Prime Minister’s clarification, and emphasized that the United States and Malaysia stand ready to support continuation of the peace process. However, they do not intend to interfere with bilateral mechanism between Thailand and Cambodia, which is an important stance for Thailand.
With regard to a phone conversation between the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Malaysia, following the dialogue with the US President, the Malaysian Prime Minister expressed understanding and affirmed his country’s readiness to provide support in the capacity as the ASEAN Chair, taking into account Thailand's proposal to highlight 'demining' as core agreement under the Joint Declaration. Both the United States and Malaysia have acknowledged this stance of Thailand.
On another matter, Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Thailand was informed by the Deputy United States Trade Representative last night that the US requested a "temporary suspension" of negotiations on the Framework for a United States - Thailand Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. Discussions will only resume when Thailand provides a firm commitment to strictly adhere to the Joint Declaration made with Cambodia.
According to the Thai Government Spokesperson, the Thai Government is disappointed by this stance because Thailand has consistently insisted that security issue with Cambodia is a bilateral matter that must be considered separately from trade and tariff, as this issue serves the mutual interests of Thailand and the US. This is especially when the US President himself acknowledged existing bilateral mechanism and emphasized during his phone conversation with the Prime Minister that "the United States does not intend to interfere with the Thai–Cambodian issue".
The Thai Government is pleased with the US President’s understanding, and hopes that the issue of trade and tariff can continue to be discussed and negotiated without affecting other cooperation frameworks that the two countries have strongly and long maintained. Thailand stands firm on its position to protect the country’s security and sovereignty on the basis of national interests. Nevertheless, Thailand remains ready to cooperate with the US on other issues for mutual benefit to promote stability, security, and economic development in the region.
