Trump Pressures Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodia Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, warning that trade negotiations could be halted as attempts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
In recent days, Thai officials announced it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that allegedly injured a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.
Since then, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a fresh wave of retaliatory clashes.
American Economic Leverage
On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that a letter from the U.S. trade office declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on Friday night.
The spokesperson referenced the letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could resume once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” stated another government spokesperson.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on the end of the week, Trump implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the south-east Asian leaders.
He stated, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” continuing, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Ceasefire Agreement Background
Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he claims should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.
The most severe clashes in a decade between military forces of both nations erupted in mid-summer, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that originates from conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
Reuters provided input for this coverage.
