Trump Pressures Thailand to Recommit to Cambodia Ceasefire with Tariff Warnings

The United States has applied pressure on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, warning that trade talks could be suspended as attempts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.

Rising Border Hostilities

In recent days, Thailand announced it was suspending the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that reportedly wounded a Thai soldier on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.

Since then, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by gunfire 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 Office of the US Trade Representative announcing the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on the previous evening.

He quoted the letter as saying that trade negotiations – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could restart once the Thai government renewed its pledge to implementing the mutual truce agreement.

“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” said another government spokesperson.

President’s Economic Warning

Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on the end of the week, the US leader implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls 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

The President witnessed the finalization 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 win him the prestigious peace award.

The worst fighting in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.

Longstanding Border Dispute

Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that originates from disagreements over colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the border are claimed by both sides.

Reuters contributed to this report.