Trump Compels Thailand to Recommit to Cambodian Ceasefire with Trade Penalties
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, stating that trade talks could be halted as attempts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from falling apart.
Border Tensions Escalate
In recent days, Thai officials announced it was suspending the truce agreement, alleging Cambodia of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that reportedly injured a Thai soldier on duty, who lost a foot in the blast.
Following this, 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.
US Trade Pressure
On Saturday, 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 received on Friday night.
He quoted the document as stating that discussions on trade – 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,” stated a different official representative.
Trump’s Tariff Threat
Speaking to the press aboard the presidential plane as he traveled to the Sunshine State on the end of the week, Trump implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the south-east Asian leaders.
The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” continuing, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”
Truce Deal Origins
The President witnessed the finalization of a peace deal, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he says should win him the prestigious peace award.
The most severe clashes in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities 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 drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the border are claimed by both sides.
International news agency provided input for this coverage.
