Trump Pressures Thailand to Recommit to Cambodian Ceasefire with Trade Penalties
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, stating that trade talks could be halted as efforts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.
Border Tensions Escalate
Earlier this week, Thailand announced it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that allegedly injured a Thai military personnel on duty, who lost a foot in the explosion.
Following this, a fatality occurred 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
On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson informed reporters that a official communication from the U.S. trade office declaring the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on the previous evening.
The spokesperson referenced the letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge 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 on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, Trump implied that he had employed tariff warnings in discussions with the ASEAN nation heads.
The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” 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 last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he says should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.
The most severe clashes in a ten years 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
Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that originates from disagreements over maps from the colonial period created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the border are claimed by both sides.
Reuters contributed to this report.
