The US President Compels Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodia Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, warning that trade negotiations could be halted as efforts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from collapsing.
Border Tensions Escalate
In recent days, Thailand announced it was suspending the truce agreement, alleging Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the shared border, among them an incident that reportedly wounded a Thai military personnel 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, 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 letter from the Office of the US Trade Representative announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on the previous evening.
He quoted the letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could resume once Thailand renewed its pledge to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” stated another government spokesperson.
President’s Economic Warning
Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on Friday, Trump implied that he had employed tariff warnings in calls 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
Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, 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 ten years between military forces of both nations erupted in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to disagreements over maps from the colonial period created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the border are claimed by both sides.
International news agency contributed to this report.
