The US President Compels the Thai government to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodia Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, indicating that trade negotiations could be paused as attempts are made to prevent 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, alleging Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the shared border, including one that allegedly wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.
Since then, one person has been killed and several others wounded by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, raising concerns of a new round of retaliatory clashes.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson informed reporters that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on the previous evening.
He quoted the document as stating that discussions on trade – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to implementing the mutual truce agreement.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” 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, the US leader implied that he had employed tariff warnings in discussions 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.”
Truce Deal Origins
The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he says should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.
The most severe clashes in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in mid-summer, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute 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 contributed to this report.
