Trump Compels Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodia Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
The United States has applied pressure on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with Cambodia, warning that trade talks could be paused as efforts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.
Rising Border Hostilities
Earlier this week, Thai officials announced it was suspending the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodia of planting new explosives along the shared border, among them an incident that reportedly wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.
Since then, a fatality occurred and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a official communication from the U.S. trade office declaring the pause in trade negotiations was received on the previous evening.
The spokesperson referenced the document as stating that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could restart once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the mutual truce agreement.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” stated another government spokesperson.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on the end of the week, Trump implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the south-east Asian leaders.
The US president said, “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
The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this October, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he says should win him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Historic Frontier Conflict
The two neighboring countries have a historic territorial disagreement that dates back to disagreements over colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the border are disputed by each nation.
Reuters provided input for this coverage.
