Trump Urges the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodia Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
The United States has applied pressure on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, indicating that trade negotiations could be paused as attempts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from falling apart.
Border Tensions Escalate
Earlier this week, Thai officials announced it was putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodia of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that reportedly wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who lost a foot in the explosion.
Since then, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, raising concerns of a new round of retaliatory clashes.
US Trade Pressure
Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was received on the previous evening.
The spokesperson referenced the letter as saying that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” stated another government spokesperson.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, Trump implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the ASEAN nation heads.
The US president said, “I stopped a war just today through the use of tariffs, the threat of tariffs,” adding, “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 October, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he claims should win him the Nobel Peace prize.
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 leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that dates back to conflicts regarding colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
International news agency provided input for this coverage.
