The US President Pressures Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodian Truce with Tariff Warnings

The United States has applied pressure on Thailand to recommit to a truce deal with Cambodia, warning that trade negotiations could be paused as efforts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from collapsing.

Rising Border Hostilities

In recent days, Thailand announced it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that reportedly injured a Thai military personnel on duty, who lost a foot 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 tit-for-tat fighting.

US Trade Pressure

Over the weekend, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on Friday night.

He quoted the letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could resume once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.

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

President’s Economic Warning

Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on the end of the week, the US leader implied that he had employed tariff warnings in calls with the ASEAN nation heads.

He stated, “I stopped a war just today through the use of tariffs, the threat of tariffs,” adding, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”

Truce Deal Origins

Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the world he claims should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.

The worst fighting in a ten years between military forces of both nations erupted in mid-summer, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.

Historic Frontier Conflict

Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to disagreements over colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the frontier are claimed by both sides.

Reuters contributed to this report.