Trump Compels the Thai government to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodia Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
The United States has applied pressure on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with Cambodia, warning that trade talks could be halted as efforts are made to stop a Trump-mediated peace agreement from collapsing.
Border Tensions Escalate
In recent days, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that reportedly injured a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Since then, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a letter from the Office of the US Trade Representative announcing the pause in trade negotiations was received on the previous evening.
The spokesperson referenced the letter as saying that trade negotiations – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could resume once Thailand renewed its pledge to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” said a different official representative.
President’s Economic Warning
Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on Friday, the US leader implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the ASEAN nation heads.
He stated, “I stopped a war just today through the use of tariffs, the threat of tariffs,” adding, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Ceasefire Agreement Background
Trump oversaw the signing of a peace deal, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has promoted it as one of several deals around the world he claims should earn him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a decade between military forces of both nations erupted in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that originates from conflicts regarding maps from the colonial period created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the border are disputed by each nation.
Reuters contributed to this report.
