The US President Urges the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodia Truce with Tariff Warnings
Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to recommit to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, indicating that trade talks could be halted as attempts are made to stop a Trump-mediated peace agreement from falling apart.
Border Tensions Escalate
Earlier this week, Thai officials announced it was suspending the ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodia of planting new explosives along the shared border, including one that allegedly injured a Thai military personnel on patrol, who lost a foot in the blast.
Following this, one person has been killed and several others wounded by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a new round of retaliatory clashes.
US Trade Pressure
Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a official communication from the U.S. trade office announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was received on the previous evening.
The spokesperson referenced the document as stating that trade negotiations – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could restart once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” said a different official representative.
President’s Economic Warning
Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, the US leader suggested that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions 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 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 several deals around the world he says should win him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Longstanding Border Dispute
Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to disagreements over maps from the colonial period created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the border are claimed by both sides.
International news agency contributed to this report.
