Trump Pressures the Thai government to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodian Ceasefire with Tariff Warnings
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, warning that trade negotiations could be paused as efforts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
In recent days, Thailand announced it was putting on hold the truce agreement, accusing Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly injured a Thai military personnel on patrol, who lost a foot in the explosion.
Following this, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson informed reporters that a official communication from the U.S. trade office announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on Friday night.
He quoted the letter as stating that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could resume once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” said 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 suggested that he had employed tariff warnings in discussions with the south-east Asian leaders.
The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” continuing, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Ceasefire Agreement Background
The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this October, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he claims should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.
The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks leaving dozens of people killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Longstanding Border Dispute
Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that dates back to conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the frontier are disputed by each nation.
Reuters contributed to this report.
