The US President Pressures Thailand to Recommit to Cambodia Truce with Trade Penalties
Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with Cambodia, stating that trade negotiations could be halted as attempts are made to stop a Trump-mediated peace agreement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
Earlier this week, Thai officials announced it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly injured a Thai soldier on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Following this, a fatality occurred and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.
American Economic Leverage
Over the weekend, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that a letter 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 trade negotiations – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could resume once the Thai government renewed its pledge to implementing the mutual truce agreement.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” said another government spokesperson.
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 used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the ASEAN nation heads.
He stated, “I stopped a war just today through the use of tariffs, the threat of tariffs,” adding, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Truce Deal Origins
Trump oversaw the signing of a peace deal, conducted in Malaysian territory this October, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he claims should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.
The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to conflicts regarding maps from the colonial period drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the border are claimed by both sides.
International news agency contributed to this report.
