The US President Urges Thailand to Reaffirm Commitment to Cambodian Ceasefire with Tariff Warnings

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

Border Tensions Escalate

Earlier this week, Thailand declared it was suspending the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodia of planting new explosives along the shared border, including one that reportedly injured a Thai soldier on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.

Since then, one person has been killed and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.

US Trade Pressure

On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters 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 saying that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could restart once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the mutual truce agreement.

“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” said another government spokesperson.

Trump’s Tariff Threat

Speaking to the press aboard the presidential plane as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, Trump implied that he had employed tariff warnings in calls with the ASEAN nation heads.

The US president said, “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 peace deal, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he claims should earn him the prestigious peace award.

The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities 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 claimed by both sides.

Reuters provided input for this coverage.