Trump Compels the Thai government to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodia Ceasefire with Tariff Warnings

Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, warning that trade negotiations could be halted as attempts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from falling apart.

Border Tensions Escalate

In recent days, Thai officials announced it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the shared border, among them an incident that allegedly wounded a Thai military personnel on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.

Following this, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a new round of retaliatory clashes.

US Trade Pressure

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

He quoted the letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.

“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 traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, Trump implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the south-east Asian leaders.

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

The President witnessed the finalization of a peace deal, held in Malaysia this October, and has touted it as one of multiple agreements around the globe he says should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.

The worst fighting in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.

Historic Frontier Conflict

Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that dates back to conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the frontier are disputed by each nation.

International news agency contributed to this report.