THAI Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul today (Dec. 16) asked US President Donald Trump to tell Cambodia to stop firing first after the American leader threatened both countries with more tariffs if they do not stop hostilities, Amarin TV said.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal Trump had said, “I just used tariffs 10 minutes ago, just before you came, to settle the new inflammation that took place with Thailand and Cambodia.
“And I told them, ‘If you have the war, not only am I going to break the trade deal we have, but I’m going to put tariffs on your country.’” He added, “Nobody can do that but me.”
The Wall Street Journal said the interview was recorded on Friday. Trump was apparently referring to telephone conversations earlier in the day with the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia, Anutin Charnvirakul and Hun Manet, according to TASS.
Trump said on Friday that he had spoken by phone with the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia and that the two leaders agreed to cease hostilities within 24 hours and return to the implementation of peace agreements. However, after that fighting continued.
Upon being directly questioned by reporters after he chaired a National Security Council meeting on how he would respond to the US President after he said he would use tariffs to pressure Thailand and Cambodia to cease fire, Anutin said, “No comment.”
When asked if the international pressure for a ceasefire had materialised, Anutin replied, “No one is pressuring us.”
Questioned about Cambodia’s attempts to use the world stage to attack Thailand for using powerful weapons against their country, and how he would instruct the Foreign Affairs Ministry to address the accusations, Anutin said, “Compare the weapons that the Cambodian side fired, especially the BM-21s. Why are reporters asking this kind of question?
“You have to go and watch the video of them firing the BM-21.”
Regarding oil tanker trucks waiting at the Chong Mek permanent border crossing in Sirindhorn district, Ubon Ratchathani province, Anutin said, “The oil tankers were sent to Laos; we cannot intercept them.”
In another development, Col. Richa Suksuwanon, deputy army spokesperson, said there is a noticeable decrease in supporting gunfire by Khmer forces, possibly due to the Thai army and air force curtailing Cambodian attacks, particularly by destroying supply lines and logistics support equipment, although strong resistance persists in areas controlled by Thai forces amid ongoing effort to reclaim territory, but the overall intensity has decreased.
Regarding the discovery of Chinese weapons which suggests Chinese support, she replied that there is no evidence to suggest this backing but investigation will be carried out while reassuring that the seized weapons remain under Thai control and have not disappeared, contrary to suspicions.
Meanwhile, ACM Chakrit Thamvichai, spokesperson for the air force, said Thai military operations have not been scaled down in order to maintain capabilities in carrying out missions while continuing diplomatic efforts to pressure Cambodia into reasonable dialogue.
“Our operations remain intensive across land, sea, and air to deter Cambodia’s attempts to harm the Thai people. The reduced firing on the Cambodian side is likely due to the destruction of ammunition depots and the inability to move ammunition to the front lines because of disrupted supply lines. We confirm that Thailand’s military operations have been successful.”
Meanwhile, Lt. Cmdr. Napasorn Tippaso, assistant spokesperson for the navy, said a suspect believed to be a spy had been apprehended in Trat province, and he is likely linked to a high-ranking Cambodian police officer but details cannot be disclosed.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul talking to reporters with an image of US President Donald Trump inset. Photo – Amarin TV
Insert – Some of the large number of Chinese-made weapons seized from Cambodian forces at Hill 500 after Thai troops routed the Khmer unit there last evening, Dec, 15, 2025. Among them were 82mm projected grenades (82mm Type 65), which are used with China’s Type 65 or Type 65-1 recoilless grenade launchers, along with various types of ammunition, Photo – Amarin TV
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