Trump Pressures the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodian Truce with Tariff Warnings
The United States has applied pressure on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, warning that trade talks could be halted as efforts are made to stop a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.
Rising Border Hostilities
In recent days, Thai officials announced it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that allegedly injured a Thai military personnel on patrol, who lost a foot in the blast.
Following this, one person has been killed and several others wounded by gunfire 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 Office of the US Trade Representative announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was received on the previous evening.
He quoted the letter as saying that discussions on trade – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could restart once the Thai government renewed its pledge to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” stated a different official representative.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Speaking to the press 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 discussions with the ASEAN nation heads.
He stated, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” continuing, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Truce Deal Origins
Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the globe he claims should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.
The worst fighting in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Longstanding Border Dispute
Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to conflicts regarding maps from the colonial period created by French cartographers. Historic shrines along the border are claimed by both sides.
International news agency contributed to this report.