Trump Compels the Thai government to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodia Truce with Trade Penalties
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with Cambodia, warning that trade negotiations could be suspended as efforts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
In recent days, Thai officials declared it was suspending the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodia of planting new explosives along the shared border, among them an incident that allegedly wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Following this, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, raising concerns of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.
American Economic Leverage
On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on Friday night.
He quoted the letter as saying that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could resume once the Thai government renewed its pledge to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.
“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, the US leader suggested that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the south-east Asian leaders.
The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” adding, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Ceasefire Agreement Background
Trump oversaw the signing of a peace deal, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has promoted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he claims should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.
The worst fighting in a ten years 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 hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Historic Frontier Conflict
Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that dates back to 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.