Trump Pressures the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodian Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’

The United States has applied pressure on the Thai administration to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, stating that trade talks could be paused as attempts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from collapsing.

Border Tensions Escalate

In recent days, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodia of planting new explosives along the shared border, among them an incident that allegedly wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who lost a foot in the blast.

Following this, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, raising concerns of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.

US Trade Pressure

Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office 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 document as stating that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to implementing 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 flew to Florida on Friday, the US leader implied that he had employed tariff warnings 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 ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this October, and has promoted it as one of several deals around the globe he says should earn him the prestigious peace award.

The most severe clashes in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in mid-summer, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.

Longstanding Border Dispute

Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that originates from conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the border are claimed by both sides.

International news agency provided input for this coverage.