Trump Compels Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodian Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, indicating that trade negotiations could be paused as attempts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.
Rising Border Hostilities
Earlier this week, Thailand announced it was putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the shared border, including one that reportedly wounded a Thai military personnel on patrol, who lost a foot in the explosion.
Since then, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a new round of retaliatory clashes.
American Economic Leverage
On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a letter from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on the previous evening.
The spokesperson referenced the document as stating that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could resume once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” stated another government spokesperson.
President’s Economic Warning
Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on the end of the week, the US leader suggested that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the ASEAN nation heads.
He stated, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” 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 promoted it as one of several deals around the globe he claims should earn him the prestigious peace award.
The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in mid-summer, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Historic Frontier Conflict
The two neighboring countries have a historic territorial disagreement 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.
Reuters provided input for this coverage.
