The US President Pressures the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodian Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
The United States has applied pressure on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with Cambodia, warning that trade negotiations could be paused as efforts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
In recent days, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, accusing Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that reportedly wounded a Thai military personnel on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Since then, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a fresh wave of retaliatory clashes.
American Economic Leverage
Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a letter from the U.S. trade office declaring the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on the previous evening.
The spokesperson referenced the document as stating that trade negotiations – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could restart once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” said another government spokesperson.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on the end of the week, Trump implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the ASEAN nation heads.
The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” adding, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Truce Deal Origins
The President witnessed the finalization of a peace deal, held in Malaysia this October, and has touted it as one of several deals around the world he claims should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.
The most severe clashes in a ten years between military forces of both nations broke out in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Longstanding Border Dispute
The two neighboring countries have a historic territorial disagreement that dates back to conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the frontier are disputed by each nation.
International news agency contributed to this report.
