Trump Urges Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodia Truce with Tariff Warnings
Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with Cambodia, indicating that trade talks could be halted as attempts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
Earlier this week, Thai officials announced it was suspending the truce agreement, accusing Cambodia of planting new explosives along the shared border, among them an incident that allegedly wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.
Since then, one person has been killed and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a fresh wave of retaliatory clashes.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on the previous evening.
The spokesperson referenced the letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could resume once the Thai government renewed its pledge to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” stated another government spokesperson.
President’s Economic Warning
Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, the US leader implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the ASEAN nation heads.
He stated, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” continuing, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Truce Deal Origins
Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this October, and has promoted it as one of multiple agreements around the globe he claims should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.
The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.
Longstanding Border Dispute
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the border are claimed by both sides.
International news agency contributed to this report.
