Trump Pressures Thailand to Recommit to Cambodia Ceasefire with Trade Penalties

Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, warning that trade negotiations could be suspended as efforts 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, alleging Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that reportedly injured a Thai military personnel on patrol, who lost a foot in the blast.

Following this, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a fresh wave of retaliatory clashes.

US Trade Pressure

Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a letter from the U.S. trade office announcing the pause in trade negotiations was received on the previous evening.

The spokesperson referenced the letter as saying that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.

“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” said another government spokesperson.

Trump’s Tariff Threat

Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, the US leader implied 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,” 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 multiple agreements around the world he claims should win him the prestigious peace award.

The most severe clashes in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.

Longstanding Border Dispute

The two neighboring countries have a historic territorial disagreement that originates from conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the border are claimed by both sides.

Reuters provided input for this coverage.