The US President Urges the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodian Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, stating that trade negotiations could be suspended as attempts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from collapsing.
Border Tensions Escalate
Earlier this week, Thai officials announced it was putting on hold the truce agreement, accusing Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the shared border, among them an incident that allegedly wounded a Thai soldier on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.
Following this, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a new round of retaliatory clashes.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that a letter from the U.S. trade office announcing the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on Friday night.
He quoted the document as saying that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” stated another government spokesperson.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on Friday, Trump suggested that he had employed tariff warnings in calls with the ASEAN nation heads.
He stated, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” continuing, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Ceasefire Agreement Background
The President witnessed the finalization of a peace deal, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals 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 erupted in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to disagreements over colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the frontier are disputed by each nation.
Reuters contributed to this report.
