Trump Urges Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodian Truce with Trade Penalties
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, warning that trade talks could be halted as attempts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.
Rising Border Hostilities
Earlier this week, Thai officials announced it was suspending the ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that allegedly wounded a Thai military personnel on duty, 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 fresh wave of retaliatory clashes.
US Trade Pressure
Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a letter from the U.S. trade office declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was received on Friday night.
The spokesperson referenced the letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could restart once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” said another government spokesperson.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Speaking to the press aboard the presidential plane as he traveled to the Sunshine State on the end of the week, the US leader suggested that he had employed tariff warnings 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’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Truce Deal Origins
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 claims should win him the Nobel Peace prize.
The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that originates from disagreements over colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Historic shrines along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
International news agency contributed to this report.
