The US President Compels Thailand to Recommit to Cambodia Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
The United States has applied pressure on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, warning that trade negotiations could be paused as efforts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.
Border Tensions Escalate
Earlier this week, Thailand declared it was suspending the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the shared border, including one that allegedly wounded a Thai military personnel on duty, who lost a foot in the blast.
Since then, a fatality occurred and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on the previous evening.
The spokesperson referenced the document as saying that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could restart once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the mutual truce agreement.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” stated a different official representative.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Speaking to the press aboard the presidential plane as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, Trump implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the ASEAN nation heads.
The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” adding, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Truce Deal Origins
Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia 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 worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities 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 drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
Reuters contributed to this report.
