The US President Urges Thailand to Recommit to Cambodia Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with Cambodia, stating that trade negotiations could be halted as efforts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Border Tensions Escalate
In recent days, Thailand announced 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 injured a Thai military personnel on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Following this, a fatality occurred and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that a letter from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on Friday night.
The spokesperson referenced the letter as stating that discussions on trade – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.
“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 Friday, Trump suggested 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,” continuing, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Ceasefire Agreement Background
Trump oversaw the signing of a peace deal, conducted in Malaysian territory this October, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he says should earn him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a decade between military forces of both nations broke out in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that originates from conflicts regarding colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Historic shrines along the border are disputed by each nation.
International news agency contributed to this report.
