Trump Urges the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodia Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to recommit to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, stating that trade talks could be halted as attempts are made to stop a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
In recent days, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that reportedly injured a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.
Following this, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on Friday night.
He quoted the letter as saying that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.
“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 Friday, 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’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Truce Deal Origins
The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this October, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the globe he says should win him the Nobel Peace prize.
The worst fighting 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 hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Longstanding Border Dispute
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to conflicts regarding maps from the colonial period drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the border are disputed by each nation.
International news agency provided input for this coverage.
