The US President Pressures Thailand to Recommit to Cambodia 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 halted as efforts are made to stop a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
In recent days, Thailand announced it was suspending the truce agreement, accusing Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly wounded a Thai military personnel on duty, who lost a foot in the explosion.
Following this, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, raising concerns of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.
American Economic Leverage
Over the weekend, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson informed reporters that a letter from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the pause in trade negotiations was received on Friday night.
He quoted the letter as saying that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could resume once the Thai government renewed its pledge to implementing the mutual truce agreement.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” said a different official representative.
President’s Economic Warning
Addressing reporters 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, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” continuing, “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 promoted it as one of multiple agreements around the globe he says should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.
The most severe clashes 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 historic territorial disagreement that dates back to disagreements over colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Historic shrines along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
International news agency provided input for this coverage.
