The US President Urges the Thai government to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodia Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
The United States has applied pressure on Thailand to recommit to a truce deal with Cambodia, stating that trade negotiations could be paused as efforts are made to stop a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Border Tensions Escalate
In recent days, Thailand announced it was suspending the truce agreement, accusing Cambodia of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that reportedly injured a Thai soldier on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Since then, a fatality occurred and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the border between the two nations, raising concerns of a new round of retaliatory clashes.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a official communication from the U.S. trade office declaring the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on the previous evening.
The spokesperson referenced the letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could resume 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.
President’s Economic Warning
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 south-east Asian leaders.
He stated, “I stopped a war just today through the use of tariffs, the threat of tariffs,” adding, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Ceasefire Agreement Background
The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this October, and has promoted it as one of several deals around the globe he claims should win him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the border are disputed by each nation.
International news agency contributed to this report.
