The US President Pressures the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodian Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
The United States has applied pressure on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, warning that trade talks could be suspended as efforts are made to stop a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Border Tensions Escalate
In recent days, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the shared border, among them an incident that reportedly injured a Thai military personnel on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.
Following this, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a official communication from the U.S. trade office announcing the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on the previous evening.
He quoted the document as saying that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once the Thai government renewed its pledge to implementing the mutual truce agreement.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” said a different official representative.
President’s Economic Warning
Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, Trump implied 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,” adding, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Truce Deal Origins
Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this October, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he claims should win him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Longstanding Border Dispute
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute 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.
