Trump Pressures Thailand to Recommit to Cambodian Truce with Tariff Warnings

Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to recommit to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, warning that trade talks could be halted as attempts are made to stop a Trump-mediated peace agreement from collapsing.

Border Tensions Escalate

Earlier this week, Thailand announced it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that reportedly injured a Thai military personnel on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.

Since then, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, raising concerns of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.

American Economic Leverage

Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a letter from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on the previous evening.

The spokesperson referenced the document as stating that trade negotiations – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.

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

President’s Economic Warning

Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on Friday, Trump suggested that he had employed tariff warnings in calls with the south-east Asian leaders.

The US president said, “I stopped a war just today through the use of tariffs, the threat of tariffs,” 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 claims should earn him the prestigious peace award.

The worst fighting in a ten years between military forces of both nations broke out in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.

Historic Frontier Conflict

The two neighboring countries have a historic territorial disagreement that dates back to disagreements over maps from the colonial period created by French cartographers. Historic shrines along the frontier are claimed by both sides.

International news agency provided input for this coverage.