The US President Pressures the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodian Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to recommit to a truce deal with Cambodia, indicating that trade talks could be halted as efforts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.
Rising Border Hostilities
Earlier this week, Thai officials announced it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodia of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly injured a Thai military personnel on patrol, who lost a foot 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 retaliatory clashes.
American Economic Leverage
On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a letter from the U.S. trade office announcing the pause in trade negotiations was received on Friday night.
The spokesperson referenced the letter as stating that discussions on trade – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” said another government spokesperson.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on the end of the week, Trump implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the south-east Asian leaders.
The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” continuing, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Truce Deal Origins
Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he claims should win him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a ten years between military forces of both nations erupted 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 longstanding border dispute that dates back to conflicts regarding colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the border are disputed by each nation.
Reuters contributed to this report.
