Trump Pressures the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodian Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a truce deal with Cambodia, stating that trade negotiations could be halted as attempts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
Earlier this week, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that reportedly wounded a Thai soldier on duty, who lost a foot in the explosion.
Since then, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.
American Economic Leverage
Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a official communication from the U.S. trade office announcing the pause in trade negotiations was received on Friday night.
He quoted the letter as stating that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once the Thai government renewed its pledge to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” said another government spokesperson.
President’s Economic Warning
Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on the end of the week, Trump suggested that he had employed tariff warnings in calls with the south-east Asian leaders.
The US president said, “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 peace deal, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the globe he claims should earn him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, 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 dates back to disagreements over colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the frontier are disputed by each nation.
International news agency provided input for this coverage.
