🔗 Share this article Trump Compels Thailand to Recommit to Cambodian Ceasefire with ‘Threat of Tariffs’ The United States has applied pressure on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, indicating that trade negotiations could be halted as efforts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from falling apart. Rising Border Hostilities In recent days, Thai officials declared it was suspending the ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodia of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that reportedly injured a Thai soldier 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 border between the two nations, sparking fears of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting. American Economic Leverage Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on the previous evening. The spokesperson referenced the letter as stating that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the mutual truce agreement. “Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” stated another government spokesperson. Trump’s Tariff Threat Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, the US leader implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the south-east Asian leaders. The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” adding, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.” Truce Deal Origins The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has promoted it as one of several deals around the world he says should earn him the Nobel Peace prize. The most severe clashes in a decade between military forces of both nations erupted in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and hundreds of thousands forced to flee. Longstanding Border Dispute Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that dates back to conflicts regarding maps from the colonial period created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the frontier are disputed by each nation. Reuters provided input for this coverage.