Trump Urges Thailand to Recommit to Cambodian Ceasefire with Tariff Warnings
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, warning that trade negotiations could be paused as attempts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
Earlier this week, Thailand declared it was suspending the ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the shared border, among them an incident that reportedly injured a Thai military personnel on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Since then, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, raising concerns of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
Over the weekend, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson 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.
He quoted the letter as stating 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.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” stated another government spokesperson.
President’s Economic Warning
Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on Friday, Trump suggested that he had employed tariff warnings in discussions with the south-east Asian leaders.
He stated, “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
The President witnessed the finalization of a peace deal, conducted in Malaysian territory this October, and has touted it as one of several deals around the world he claims should earn him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks leaving dozens of people killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that originates from conflicts regarding colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
International news agency contributed to this report.