The US President Compels Thailand to Recommit to Cambodian Truce with Trade Penalties
Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to recommit to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, warning that trade negotiations could be halted as attempts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.
Border Tensions Escalate
Earlier this week, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the shared border, among them an incident that allegedly wounded a Thai military personnel on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.
Since then, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, raising concerns of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson 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 letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could restart once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.
“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” said another government spokesperson.
President’s Economic Warning
Addressing reporters aboard the presidential plane as he flew to Florida on the end of the week, the US leader suggested that he had employed tariff warnings in discussions with the south-east Asian leaders.
He stated, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” adding, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”
Truce Deal Origins
Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the world he claims should earn him the prestigious peace award.
The most severe clashes in a ten years between military forces of both nations broke out in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.
Longstanding Border Dispute
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that originates from conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the frontier are claimed by both sides.
Reuters provided input for this coverage.
