Trump Urges the Thai government to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodian Truce with Tariff Warnings
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, stating 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 putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodia of planting new explosives along the shared border, including one that allegedly injured a Thai soldier on duty, who lost a foot in the blast.
Since then, a fatality occurred and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, raising concerns of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, 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 the previous evening.
He quoted the document as saying that trade negotiations – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could resume once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” said a different official representative.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Addressing reporters aboard the presidential plane as he traveled to the Sunshine State on the end of the week, Trump implied that he had employed tariff warnings in calls with the south-east Asian leaders.
He stated, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” continuing, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Truce Deal Origins
Trump oversaw the signing of a peace deal, held in Malaysia this October, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he claims should win him the Nobel Peace prize.
The most severe clashes in a decade between military forces of both nations broke out in mid-summer, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that originates from conflicts regarding maps from the colonial period drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the border are claimed by both sides.
International news agency contributed to this report.
