The US President Pressures Thailand to Recommit to Cambodia Ceasefire with Tariff Warnings
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with Cambodia, indicating that trade talks could be halted as efforts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
Earlier this week, Thailand declared it was suspending the truce agreement, alleging Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the shared border, including one that allegedly injured a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Following this, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the border between the two nations, raising concerns of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that a letter from the U.S. trade office declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on Friday night.
He quoted the document as stating that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” said a different official representative.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
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 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.”
Truce Deal Origins
Trump oversaw the signing of a peace deal, held in Malaysia this October, and has promoted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he claims should earn him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a ten years between military forces of both nations erupted in July, 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 maps from the colonial period created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the border are claimed by both sides.
International news agency provided input for this coverage.
