The US President Compels Thailand to Recommit to Cambodia Truce with Tariff Warnings

The United States has applied pressure on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, warning that trade talks could be paused as efforts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated peace agreement from falling apart.

Border Tensions Escalate

In recent days, Thai officials declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodia of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly injured 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, raising concerns of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.

US Trade Pressure

Over the weekend, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson informed reporters that a official communication from the U.S. trade office announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on the previous evening.

He quoted the document as saying that discussions on trade – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.

“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” said 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 suggested that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the south-east Asian leaders.

The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” adding, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”

Ceasefire Agreement Background

The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this October, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he claims should win him the prestigious peace award.

The worst fighting in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.

Historic Frontier Conflict

Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that originates from disagreements over maps from the colonial period drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the border are claimed by both sides.

International news agency provided input for this coverage.