Trump Pressures Thailand to Recommit to Cambodia Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, indicating that trade talks could be halted as attempts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from falling apart.
Border Tensions Escalate
In recent days, Thai officials announced it was suspending the truce agreement, alleging Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that reportedly injured a Thai soldier on duty, who lost a foot in the explosion.
Since then, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by gunfire along the border between the two nations, raising concerns of a new round of retaliatory clashes.
US Trade Pressure
Over the weekend, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson informed reporters that a letter from the U.S. trade office announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was received on the previous evening.
The spokesperson referenced the letter as saying that discussions on trade – 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.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Speaking to the press aboard the presidential plane as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, Trump implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls 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
Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this October, and has promoted it as one of several deals around the world he says should win him the Nobel Peace prize.
The worst fighting in a decade between military forces of both nations broke out in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks leaving dozens of people killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that originates from conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
International news agency provided input for this coverage.
