Trump Urges the Thai government to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodian Truce with Tariff Warnings
The United States has applied pressure on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with Cambodia, warning that trade talks could be suspended as efforts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
Earlier this week, Thai officials announced it was suspending the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the shared border, among them an incident that reportedly injured a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Since then, one person has been killed and several others wounded by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a new round of retaliatory clashes.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative announcing the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on Friday night.
He quoted the document as stating that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” stated another government spokesperson.
President’s Economic Warning
Addressing reporters aboard the presidential plane as he traveled to the Sunshine State on the end of the week, the US leader implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the south-east Asian leaders.
The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” continuing, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Truce Deal Origins
Trump oversaw the signing of a peace deal, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the world he claims should win him the prestigious peace award.
The most severe clashes in a ten years between military forces of both nations broke out in mid-summer, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that originates from disagreements over colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the border are disputed by each nation.
Reuters contributed to this report.
