Trump Urges the Thai government to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodian Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, indicating that trade talks could be paused as attempts are made to stop a Trump-mediated peace agreement from collapsing.
Border Tensions Escalate
Earlier this week, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, accusing Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly injured a Thai military personnel on patrol, who lost a foot in the blast.
Since then, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a new round of retaliatory clashes.
American Economic Leverage
Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a letter from the U.S. trade office declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was received on the previous evening.
He quoted the letter as saying that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” stated a different official representative.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on the end of the week, the US leader suggested that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the ASEAN nation heads.
The US president said, “I stopped a war just today through the use of tariffs, the threat of tariffs,” continuing, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Ceasefire Agreement Background
The President witnessed the finalization of a peace deal, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has promoted it as one of multiple agreements around the globe he says should earn him the prestigious peace award.
The most severe clashes in a ten years between military forces of both nations broke out in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that dates back to conflicts regarding maps from the colonial period drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
Reuters provided input for this coverage.
