Trump Urges Thailand to Recommit to Cambodian Ceasefire with Trade Penalties

The United States has applied pressure on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, indicating that trade negotiations could be halted as attempts are made to stop a Trump-mediated peace agreement from collapsing.

Rising Border Hostilities

In recent days, Thai officials announced it was suspending the truce agreement, alleging Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly injured a Thai soldier on patrol, who lost a foot in the explosion.

Since then, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the border between the two nations, raising concerns of a new round of retaliatory clashes.

American Economic Leverage

Over the weekend, 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 the previous evening.

He quoted the document as saying that discussions on trade – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could resume once Thailand renewed its pledge to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.

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

Trump’s Tariff Threat

Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, Trump suggested that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the ASEAN nation heads.

The US president said, “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, held in Malaysia this October, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he says should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.

The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.

Historic Frontier Conflict

Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that dates back to disagreements over colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the frontier are claimed by both sides.

International news agency provided input for this coverage.