The US President Compels Thailand to Recommit to Cambodia Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
The United States has applied pressure on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, warning that trade negotiations could be halted as efforts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
In recent days, Thailand announced it was putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodia of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that allegedly injured a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Following this, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a new round of retaliatory clashes.
American Economic Leverage
Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a official communication from the U.S. trade office announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on Friday night.
The spokesperson referenced the document as stating that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” stated another government spokesperson.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, the US leader implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the south-east Asian leaders.
He stated, “I stopped a war just today through the use of tariffs, the threat of tariffs,” continuing, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Ceasefire Agreement Background
The President witnessed the finalization of a peace deal, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he says should earn him the prestigious peace award.
The most severe clashes in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.
Longstanding Border Dispute
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that originates from disagreements over maps from the colonial period drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the frontier are disputed by each nation.
Reuters contributed to this report.
