United States President Donald Trump has warned Thailand and Cambodia, noting that if they refuse to stop fighting, he will raise tariffs again. The violence between both countries has reached a new peak, with more than 33 already dead and about 168,000 forced to flee. Trump is now using the same playbook he used with India and Pakistan earlier this year: stop the war or forget about trade.
On Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to say he spoke to both countries’ leaders and told them clearly, either end this now or face economic punishment. He wrote, “Both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace. They are also looking to get back to the ‘Trading Table’ with the United States, which we think is inappropriate to do until such time as the fighting STOPS.”
Trump called both leaders while in Scotland
Donald Trump is on a visit to Scotland for what was supposed to be a mix of diplomacy and golf. According to reports, he made two separate calls to the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand. His first conversation was with Hun Manet, the Prime Minister of Cambodia, where he asked for “an END to the War.” He also said if the two governments don’t reach a deal soon, he will “not want to make any Deal, with either Country.”
Trump had a tee time lined up at his Turnberry resort with one of his sons and US Ambassador to the UK, Warren Stephens. But that didn’t stop him from weighing in. “The call with Cambodia has ended, but expect to call back regarding the War stoppage and Ceasefire based on what Thailand has to say,” Trump posted. “I am trying to simplify a complex situation!” A few minutes later, Trump called Phumtham Wechayachai, the acting Prime Minister of Thailand. He said Phumtham “wants to have an immediate Ceasefire, and PEACE.”
He did not stop there as he compared the situation to the earlier conflict between India and Pakistan. In his words, the US was responsible for ending the flare-up by applying trade pressure. “If you stop it, we’ll do a trade,” Trump said back then. “If you don’t stop it, we’re not going to do any trade.” However, India’s spokesperson denied that version of events, noting that “The issue of trade didn’t come up in any of these discussions.”
Cambodia and Thailand are already deep in the crosshairs of Trump’s trade war. Last week, he slapped a new 36% tariff on most exports coming from both countries. That move goes into effect on August 1, and the economic pain hasn’t even started. Trump’s latest comments suggest things could get worse if they don’t come to a ceasefire quickly.
The post Trump threatens increased tariffs on Cambodia and Thailand first appeared on Coinfea.