Trump Pressures Thailand to Recommit to Cambodian Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, indicating that trade talks could be suspended as efforts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated peace agreement from collapsing.
Border Tensions Escalate
In recent days, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodia of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who lost a foot in the explosion.
Following this, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a fresh wave of retaliatory clashes.
American Economic Leverage
Over the weekend, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson informed reporters that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative announcing the pause in trade negotiations was received on Friday night.
He quoted the letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could resume once the Thai government renewed its pledge to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” said another government spokesperson.
President’s Economic Warning
Speaking to the press aboard the presidential plane as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, the US leader suggested that he had employed tariff warnings in calls with the south-east Asian leaders.
He stated, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” adding, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Truce Deal Origins
Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he claims should win him the prestigious peace award.
The most severe clashes in a decade between military forces of both nations broke out in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Longstanding Border Dispute
Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that originates from conflicts regarding maps from the colonial period drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the border are disputed by each nation.
International news agency contributed to this report.
