Trump Compels Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodia Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, warning that trade negotiations could be paused as efforts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.
Border Tensions Escalate
In recent days, Thai officials announced it was suspending the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodia of planting new explosives along the shared border, including one that reportedly injured a Thai soldier on duty, who lost a foot in the explosion.
Since then, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.
American Economic Leverage
Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a official communication from the U.S. trade office declaring the pause in trade negotiations was received on the previous evening.
He quoted the letter as saying that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could resume once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” 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, Trump implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions 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’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Ceasefire Agreement Background
The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this October, and has promoted it as one of several deals around the world he claims should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.
The most severe clashes in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops 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.
Longstanding Border Dispute
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to conflicts regarding maps from the colonial period created by French cartographers. Historic shrines along the frontier are disputed by each nation.
Reuters contributed to this report.
