Pundits call for balance on trade and border issues

Tariff talks vie with Trump's ambition

- NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG

Members of the United Land Power to Protect Sovereignty group recently protested outside the US and Malaysian embassies in Bangkok, accusing Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Trump of meddling in Thailand's affairs.

(SATHORN THANAYANAN)

Pundits say the government must strike a fine balance between economic benefit and national sovereignty regarding the border dispute with Cambodia, as the prolonged conflict not only dampens prospects for Thailand's trade talks with the US, but also riles domestic political stability.

The US has pressured Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire with Cambodia, warning trade talks could be halted as Washington seeks to keep a Donald Trump-brokered truce agreement from falling apart.

The Anutin Charnvirakul government maintains trade talks with the US will continue, despite an earlier report the Trump administration halted negotiations due to Bangkok’s suspension of its peace accord with Cambodia after armed clashes between both sides early this month.