The US President Compels Thailand to Recommit to Cambodian Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, indicating that trade negotiations could be paused as efforts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Border Tensions Escalate
Earlier this week, Thai officials declared it was suspending the truce agreement, alleging Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that reportedly injured a Thai military personnel on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Since then, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, raising concerns of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
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 received on Friday night.
He quoted the document as saying that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” said a different official representative.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, the US leader implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the ASEAN nation heads.
The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” adding, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Ceasefire Agreement Background
The President witnessed the finalization of a peace deal, conducted in Malaysian territory this October, and has promoted it as one of multiple agreements around the globe he says should earn him the prestigious peace award.
The most severe clashes in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that originates from disagreements over colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Historic shrines along the border are claimed by both sides.
Reuters provided input for this coverage.
