Trump pressures Thailand to recommit to Cambodia ceasefire with ‘threat of tariffs’ | Thailand

The United States has pressured Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire with Cambodia and warned that trade talks could be stalled as Washington tries to prevent the disintegration of a ceasefire deal brokered by Donald Trump.

Earlier this week, Thailand announced it was suspending the ceasefire agreement, accusing Cambodia of laying new mines along the border; one of them said a Thai soldier on patrol was injured, who lost a leg in the explosion.

Since then, one person has been killed and several others injured by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodian border; This has raised concerns about a new conflict.

Thai foreign ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura told reporters on Saturday that a letter was received from the Office of the US Trade Representative on Friday night announcing the suspension of trade agreement talks.

In the letter, it was stated that trade negotiations regarding the US’s 19 percent customs duty could continue if Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to implement the joint ceasefire declaration.

But another government spokesman, Siripong Angkasakulkiat, said later on Saturday that the temporary suspension occurred before a meeting between Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Trump late Friday.

“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” Siripong said.

Addressing reporters on Air Force One while flying to Florida on Friday, Trump claimed that he used the “tariff threat” in his meetings with Southeast Asian leaders.

“Just today I stopped a war with the use of tariffs, with the threat of tariffs,” the US president said, adding: “They’re doing great. I think they’ll be fine.”

Thai foreign ministry spokesman Nikorndej said Prime Minister Anutin explained the issue over the phone to Trump, who “expressed his understanding of the issue.”

Trump oversaw the signing of the ceasefire agreement in Malaysia this October, touting it as one of many agreements around the world that he says should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.

The worst conflict in a decade between Thai and Cambodian soldiers broke out in July; Gunfire, artillery and airstrikes killed dozens of people and displaced 300,000.

Thailand and Cambodia have a long-running border dispute that dates back to disputes over colonial-era maps prepared by the French. Ancient temples along the border are claimed by both sides.

Reuters contributed to this report