Trump Pressures Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodia Ceasefire with Tariff Warnings
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, stating that trade talks could be suspended as attempts are made to stop a Trump-mediated peace agreement from collapsing.
Border Tensions Escalate
Earlier this week, Thai officials declared it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the shared border, including one that allegedly wounded a Thai soldier on duty, who lost a foot in the blast.
Following this, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by gunfire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that a letter from the U.S. trade office announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was received on the previous evening.
The spokesperson referenced the document as saying that trade negotiations – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could restart once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment 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
Addressing reporters aboard the presidential plane 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.
He stated, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” adding, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Truce Deal Origins
The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this October, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the globe he claims should earn him the prestigious peace award.
The most severe clashes in a decade between military forces of both nations broke out in mid-summer, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Longstanding Border Dispute
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to disagreements over maps from the colonial period drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
Reuters provided input for this coverage.
