Trump Compels the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodian Truce with Trade Penalties

Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a truce deal with Cambodia, stating that trade negotiations could be halted as attempts are made to stop a Trump-mediated peace agreement from falling apart.

Border Tensions Escalate

In recent days, Thailand declared it was suspending the truce agreement, alleging Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that reportedly injured a Thai military personnel on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.

Since then, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a fresh wave of retaliatory clashes.

American Economic Leverage

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

He quoted the document as stating that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could resume once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to implementing 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 the end of the week, Trump suggested that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the south-east Asian leaders.

He stated, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” adding, “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 promoted it as one of several deals around the globe he claims should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.

The most severe clashes in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in mid-summer, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.

Historic Frontier Conflict

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

International news agency provided input for this coverage.