The United States and Thailand will continue working toward a reciprocal trade agreement despite a brewing diplomatic mess over a collapsed ceasefire with Cambodia. Thai officials confirmed on Saturday that President Donald Trump has separated the two issues, clearing the path for trade talks to move forward.

Decoupling Diplomacy from Trade

According to a Bangkok Post report, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Trump agreed not to link the Thai-Cambodian conflict to ongoing trade negotiations. That's a relief for Bangkok, which had been told earlier that negotiations were on pause until the Thai government committed to the U.S.-backed ceasefire deal with Cambodia.

Here's where things get complicated: Thailand suspended the ceasefire and demanded an apology after claiming Cambodia planted new landmines that injured Thai soldiers. Cambodia denies the charge entirely. The framework announced last month keeps the tariff on Thai goods at 19% while identifying possible future reductions.

Two Phone Calls Clear the Air

President Trump spoke with Prime Minister Anutin on Friday, and according to Anutin's account, Trump made it clear he wouldn't tie Thailand's ceasefire suspension to the trade negotiations. That message was reinforced Saturday when Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently serves as ASEAN president, called to confirm Trump's stance.

"The United States will not bring the issue of Thailand's suspension to the ongoing trade tax negotiations between Thailand and the United States," Anutin wrote following the conversation.

What About Those Tariffs?

During the call, Anutin pushed for lower tariffs on Thai goods. Trump's response was classic dealmaking: he pointed out that the current 19% rate was already relatively low, but dangled the possibility of further reductions if Thailand accelerates its demining operations.

"If you do the demining works quickly, I'll consider chopping more percentage for you," Trump said, according to Anutin's recollection.

It's worth noting that Cambodia recently endorsed Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, praising his diplomatic efforts. That bit of flattery came before the ceasefire fell apart, naturally.

The situation highlights the complicated dance of modern trade diplomacy, where economic negotiations increasingly bump up against regional security issues. For now, at least, the U.S. appears willing to keep those tracks separate when it comes to Thailand.