The US President Pressures Thailand to Recommit to Cambodia Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to recommit to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, warning that trade talks could be paused as efforts 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 ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly injured a Thai military personnel on duty, who lost a foot in the explosion.
Since then, one person has been killed and several others wounded by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a fresh wave of retaliatory clashes.
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 suspension of trade deal talks was received on Friday night.
The spokesperson referenced the document as saying that trade negotiations – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could restart once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” stated another government spokesperson.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on the end of the week, the US leader implied that he had employed tariff warnings in discussions 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 multiple agreements around the globe he says should earn him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Longstanding Border Dispute
Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to disagreements over maps from the colonial period created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the border are disputed by each nation.
Reuters contributed to this report.
