Trump Pressures Thailand to Recommit to Cambodia Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, stating that trade negotiations could be paused as efforts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
Earlier this week, Thailand announced it was suspending the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that allegedly injured a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Following this, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.
American Economic Leverage
On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on Friday night.
The spokesperson referenced the document as saying that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could restart once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” stated 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 used the “threat of tariffs” 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,” adding, “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 last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the world he claims should win him the Nobel Peace prize.
The worst fighting in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops 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 originates from conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the border are claimed by both sides.
Reuters contributed to this report.
