Trump Pressures the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodian Ceasefire with Tariff Warnings
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 efforts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
Earlier this week, Thai officials declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, accusing Cambodia of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that allegedly wounded a Thai military personnel on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.
Following this, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, raising concerns of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on the previous evening.
He quoted the document as stating that discussions on trade – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could resume once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” stated a different official representative.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Addressing reporters aboard the presidential plane as he flew to Florida on Friday, Trump implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the ASEAN nation heads.
The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” continuing, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Ceasefire Agreement Background
Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the world he claims should win him the Nobel Peace prize.
The worst fighting in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks leaving dozens of people killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that originates from conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
Reuters contributed to this report.
