Trump is warning Cambodia and Thailand that if they don’t stop fighting, he’s going to raise tariffs… again. The violence between the two countries has now dragged into its third day, with over 33 people killed and more than 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 said on Truth Social that 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 makes calls while in Scotland
While visiting Scotland for what was supposed to be a mix of diplomacy and golf, Trump 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 pushed 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 didn’t exactly put down the golf club. He had a tee time lined up at his Turnberry resort with one of his sons and U.S. 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 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.”
Trump didn’t stop there. He compared this situation to the earlier conflict between India and Pakistan. According to him, the U.S. played a role in ending that 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.” But India’s government publicly denied that version of events. A spokesperson from their foreign ministry said, “The issue of trade didn’t come up in any of these discussions.”
Cambodia and Thailand are already deep in Trump’s trade war crosshairs. Just last week, the former president 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.
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