Trump Urges Thailand to Recommit to Cambodian Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to recommit to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, stating that trade talks could be suspended as attempts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.
Rising Border Hostilities
In recent days, Thailand declared it was suspending the ceasefire deal, accusing 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 several others wounded by gunfire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a new round of retaliatory clashes.
American Economic Leverage
On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a official communication from the U.S. trade office announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on Friday night.
He quoted the letter as stating that discussions on trade – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” said another government spokesperson.
President’s Economic Warning
Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on Friday, the US leader 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 peace deal, held in Malaysia this October, and has promoted it as one of several deals around the world he says should win him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Longstanding Border Dispute
The two neighboring countries have a historic territorial disagreement that originates from disagreements over colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
International news agency contributed to this report.
