Trump Compels Thailand to Recommit to Cambodian Truce with ‘Threat of Tariffs’
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, indicating that trade negotiations could be suspended as efforts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
In recent days, Thai officials declared it was suspending the truce agreement, accusing Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the shared border, including one that allegedly wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who lost a foot in the blast.
Following this, one person has been killed and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.
American Economic Leverage
Over the weekend, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on the previous evening.
He quoted the letter as saying that discussions on trade – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could resume once Thailand renewed its pledge to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” stated another government spokesperson.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Speaking to the press aboard the presidential plane as he flew to Florida on Friday, Trump suggested 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,” adding, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Truce Deal Origins
Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the world he claims should win him the prestigious peace award.
The most severe clashes in a ten years between military forces of both nations erupted in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Longstanding Border Dispute
Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that dates back to disagreements over maps from the colonial period drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the border are disputed by each nation.
International news agency contributed to this report.
