The United States has intervened to prevent the collapse of a recently brokered truce between Thailand and Cambodia, linking the continuation of crucial trade negotiations to Bangkok’s recommitment to the peace deal.
Tensions reignited this week after Thailand announced it was suspending the ceasefire, alleging that Cambodian forces had laid new landmines along their shared frontier. Thai authorities reported one soldier was severely wounded, losing a foot in an explosion. Subsequent exchanges of gunfire have resulted in at least one fatality and several injuries, raising fears of a broader military confrontation.
In a direct move, the U.S. Trade Representative informed Thai officials that discussions to address significant American tariffs were being put on hold. According to a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson, the communication indicated talks could resume once Thailand formally reaffirmed its commitment to the joint ceasefire declaration.
The development follows a late Friday conversation between the Thai Prime Minister and the U.S. President. While a separate government spokesperson later asserted that trade and border issues would remain distinct, the U.S. leader publicly framed the tactic as diplomatic leverage, stating he had used the “threat of tariffs” to help stop a war.
The ceasefire in question was signed in October under international mediation and had been hailed as a major diplomatic achievement. Its breakdown threatens to reopen a bitter and longstanding border dispute rooted in colonial-era map disagreements and contested claims over ancient temple sites. The most recent serious clashes, which erupted earlier this year, resulted in dozens of casualties and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians from border areas.