The US President Compels the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodia Ceasefire with Tariff Warnings

Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, stating that trade negotiations could be suspended as attempts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated peace agreement from collapsing.

Rising Border Hostilities

Earlier this week, Thai officials announced it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that allegedly wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.

Following this, one person has been killed and several others wounded by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, raising concerns of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.

American Economic Leverage

On Saturday, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that a official communication from the U.S. trade office announcing the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on Friday night.

The spokesperson referenced the letter as saying that discussions on trade – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could resume once Thailand renewed its pledge to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.

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

Trump’s Tariff Threat

Addressing reporters aboard the presidential plane as he flew to Florida on the end of the week, Trump suggested that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the ASEAN nation heads.

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

Truce Deal Origins

The President witnessed the finalization of a peace deal, held in Malaysia this October, and has promoted it as one of several deals around the globe he claims should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.

The worst fighting in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.

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 contributed to this report.