Trump Urges Thailand to Recommit to Cambodian Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
The United States has applied pressure on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, stating that trade negotiations could be halted as efforts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.
Border Tensions Escalate
In recent days, Thailand announced it was putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodia of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that reportedly injured a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Since then, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, raising concerns of a new round of retaliatory clashes.
US Trade Pressure
Over the weekend, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that a official communication from the U.S. trade office declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was received on the previous evening.
He quoted the letter as stating that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to implementing the mutual truce agreement.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” stated another government spokesperson.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Addressing reporters aboard the presidential plane as he traveled to the Sunshine State on the end of the week, the US leader suggested that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the ASEAN nation heads.
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.”
Ceasefire Agreement Background
Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this October, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the globe he says should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.
The worst fighting 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 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that originates from conflicts regarding maps from the colonial period drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
Reuters contributed to this report.
