The US President Pressures the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodia Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, stating that trade talks could be halted as attempts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
In recent days, Thailand announced it was putting on hold the truce agreement, accusing Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that reportedly wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation 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 tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
Over the weekend, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists 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 letter as stating that discussions on trade – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – 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,” 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, Trump suggested that he had employed tariff warnings in calls with the south-east Asian leaders.
The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” adding, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Ceasefire Agreement Background
Trump oversaw the signing 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 Nobel Peace prize.
The most severe clashes in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to disagreements over colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Historic shrines along the border are claimed by both sides.
International news agency contributed to this report.
