Trump Pressures Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodian Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’

Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, indicating that trade talks could be paused as efforts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from falling apart.

Border Tensions Escalate

In recent days, Thailand declared it was suspending the ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that reportedly injured a Thai soldier on patrol, who lost a foot in the blast.

Since then, a fatality occurred and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.

US Trade Pressure

On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson informed reporters that a official communication from the U.S. trade office declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on the previous evening.

He quoted the letter as saying that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could restart once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.

“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” stated another government spokesperson.

President’s Economic Warning

Speaking to the press aboard the presidential plane as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, Trump suggested that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the south-east Asian leaders.

He stated, “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 ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he says should win him the Nobel Peace prize.

The worst fighting in a decade between military forces of both nations broke out in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.

Historic Frontier Conflict

The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the border are disputed by each nation.

International news agency provided input for this coverage.