The US President Compels the Thai government to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodia Truce with Tariff Warnings
Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, stating that trade negotiations could be halted as efforts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from collapsing.
Rising Border Hostilities
In recent days, Thai officials declared it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, among them an incident that reportedly injured 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 border between the two nations, sparking fears of a fresh wave of retaliatory clashes.
US Trade Pressure
Over the weekend, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that a official communication from the U.S. trade office declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on Friday night.
He quoted the letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could resume once the Thai government renewed its pledge to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.
“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” stated another government spokesperson.
President’s Economic Warning
Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on the end of the week, the US leader suggested that he had employed tariff warnings in discussions with the south-east Asian leaders.
The US president said, “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, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has promoted 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 broke out in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.
Historic Frontier Conflict
The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the border are disputed by each nation.
International news agency contributed to this report.
