Trump Compels Thailand to Recommit to Cambodian Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, stating that trade talks could be paused as efforts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.
Border Tensions Escalate
In recent days, Thailand announced it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that reportedly injured a Thai military personnel on duty, who lost a foot in the explosion.
Following this, 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 retaliatory clashes.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a letter from the U.S. trade office declaring the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on Friday night.
The spokesperson referenced the letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are focusing on 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,” stated a different official representative.
President’s Economic Warning
Speaking to the press aboard the presidential plane as he flew to Florida on the end of the week, the US leader implied that he had employed tariff warnings in discussions 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 are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Truce Deal Origins
The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he says should win him the Nobel Peace prize.
The most severe clashes in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
The two neighboring countries have a historic territorial disagreement that originates from disagreements over colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the frontier are disputed by each nation.
International news agency contributed to this report.