The US President Compels Thailand to Recommit to Cambodian Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
The United States has applied pressure on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, stating that trade talks could be suspended as efforts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
In recent days, Thai officials announced it was suspending the truce agreement, alleging Cambodia of planting new explosives along the shared border, including one that allegedly injured a Thai soldier on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Since then, one person has been killed and several others wounded 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
On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson informed reporters that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on Friday night.
He quoted the document as saying that trade negotiations – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could restart once the Thai government renewed its pledge to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” said a different official representative.
President’s Economic Warning
Addressing reporters aboard the presidential plane as he flew to Florida on the end of the week, Trump implied 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,” adding, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Truce Deal Origins
The President witnessed the finalization of a peace deal, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he says should win him the Nobel Peace prize.
The worst fighting in a ten years between military forces of both nations erupted in mid-summer, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that originates from conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
Reuters contributed to this report.
