The US President Compels Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodian Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, warning that trade talks could be halted as attempts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
Earlier this week, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that allegedly wounded a Thai soldier on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Following this, a fatality occurred and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.
American Economic Leverage
On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that a letter from the Office of the US Trade Representative announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was received on the previous evening.
He quoted the document as stating that discussions on trade – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could restart once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” said another government spokesperson.
President’s Economic Warning
Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on the end of the week, the US leader implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the ASEAN nation heads.
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
The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this October, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he says should earn him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Longstanding Border Dispute
Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that originates from conflicts regarding colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the frontier are disputed by each nation.
Reuters provided input for this coverage.
