The US President Urges Thailand to Recommit to Cambodia Truce with Tariff Warnings

The United States has applied pressure on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, indicating that trade talks could be halted as efforts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.

Rising Border Hostilities

In recent days, Thailand declared it was suspending the truce agreement, alleging Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly injured a Thai military personnel on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.

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.

US Trade Pressure

On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a letter from the U.S. trade office announcing the pause in trade negotiations was received on the previous evening.

He quoted the document as stating that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.

“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” said a different official representative.

Trump’s Tariff Threat

Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on the end of the week, the US leader implied that he had employed tariff warnings in calls with the south-east Asian leaders.

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

Ceasefire Agreement Background

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 world he claims should win him the Nobel Peace prize.

The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.

Historic Frontier Conflict

Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that originates from conflicts regarding maps from the colonial period drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the frontier are disputed by each nation.

International news agency provided input for this coverage.