Thai Premier Says Border Clash Supersedes Trade Deal With Trump

A deadly shooting at the Thai-Cambodian border cast doubt on a peace deal brokered by President Donald Trump as Thailand’s premier signals the political costs of looking weak on the border issue are higher than endangering trade with the US.

With a general election tentatively slated for March, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has been increasingly appealing to nationalistic sentiments at home while tensions with Cambodia continue to simmer under a fragile ceasefire that’s been in place since deadly clashes in July.

In a speech Wednesday before the shooting, Anutin said he would prioritize national interests and the safety of Thai ...