The US President Urges Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodian Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
The United States has applied pressure on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, warning that trade negotiations could be paused as attempts are made to stop a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Border Tensions Escalate
Earlier this week, Thailand declared it was suspending the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the shared border, including one that reportedly injured a Thai soldier on patrol, who lost a foot in the blast.
Following this, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, raising concerns of a new round of retaliatory clashes.
US Trade Pressure
Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was received on Friday night.
He quoted the letter as stating that discussions on trade – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could restart once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” said 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 calls with the south-east Asian leaders.
He stated, “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 peace deal, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has promoted it as one of several deals around the globe he says should earn 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 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that originates from 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.
