The US President Pressures Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodian Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, warning that trade talks could be halted as attempts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.
Border Tensions Escalate
Earlier this week, Thailand announced it was suspending the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the shared border, among them an incident that allegedly injured a Thai soldier on patrol, who lost a foot in the explosion.
Following this, 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 representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a official communication from the U.S. trade office declaring the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on Friday night.
The spokesperson referenced the document as stating that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could resume once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment 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
Speaking to the press aboard the presidential plane as he flew to Florida on the end of the week, Trump implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the ASEAN nation heads.
He stated, “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
The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has promoted it as one of several deals around the globe he says should win him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a ten years between military forces of both nations erupted in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.
Longstanding Border Dispute
Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that dates back to disagreements over colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the frontier are disputed by each nation.
Reuters provided input for this coverage.
