The US President Pressures Thailand 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 halted as efforts are made to stop a Trump-mediated peace agreement from collapsing.

Rising Border Hostilities

Earlier this week, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the shared border, including one that allegedly wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who lost a foot 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 new round of tit-for-tat fighting.

American Economic Leverage

On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a letter from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on Friday night.

The spokesperson referenced the document as saying that discussions on trade – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could restart once the Thai government renewed its pledge to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.

“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 flew to Florida on Friday, 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,” continuing, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”

Truce Deal Origins

Trump oversaw the signing of a peace deal, held in Malaysia this October, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he claims should earn him the prestigious peace award.

The most severe clashes in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.

Longstanding Border Dispute

Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that originates from disagreements over colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the frontier are disputed by each nation.

Reuters contributed to this report.