The US President Compels Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodian Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
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 peace agreement from falling apart.
Rising Border Hostilities
Earlier this week, Thai officials announced it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodia of planting new explosives along the shared border, among them an incident that allegedly injured a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.
Following this, one person has been killed and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, raising concerns of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the pause in trade negotiations was received on Friday night.
The spokesperson referenced the letter as stating that discussions on trade – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could restart once Thailand 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
Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on Friday, 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
The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he says should win him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Historic Frontier Conflict
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that originates from disagreements over colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
International news agency contributed to this report.
