Trump Pressures the Thai government to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodian Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’

Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, warning that trade talks could be halted as attempts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from falling apart.

Rising Border Hostilities

Earlier this week, Thai officials declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, accusing Cambodia of planting new explosives along the shared border, among them an incident that allegedly injured a Thai soldier on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.

Since then, one person has been killed and several others wounded by gunfire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a new round of retaliatory clashes.

US Trade Pressure

On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson informed reporters that a official communication from the U.S. trade office declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on Friday night.

The spokesperson referenced the document as stating that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once the Thai government renewed its pledge to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.

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

President’s Economic Warning

Speaking to the press aboard the presidential plane 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.

The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” adding, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”

Ceasefire Agreement Background

The President witnessed the finalization of a peace deal, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he says should earn him the prestigious peace award.

The most severe clashes in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.

Longstanding Border Dispute

Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that originates from disagreements over colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Historic shrines along the frontier are disputed by each nation.

International news agency provided input for this coverage.