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Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, warning that trade talks could be halted as attempts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.

Rising Border Hostilities

In recent days, Thailand declared it was suspending the truce agreement, alleging Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly wounded a Thai military personnel on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.

Following this, one person has been killed and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, raising concerns of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.

US Trade Pressure

Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a letter 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 saying that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.

“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” said 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 suggested that he had employed tariff warnings in discussions with the ASEAN nation heads.

The US president said, “I stopped a war just today through the use of tariffs, the threat of tariffs,” continuing, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”

Ceasefire Agreement Background

Trump oversaw the signing of a peace deal, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the world he claims should win him the prestigious peace award.

The worst fighting in a ten years between military forces of both nations erupted in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced.

Historic Frontier Conflict

The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to conflicts regarding maps from the colonial period created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the frontier are claimed by both sides.

International news agency provided input for this coverage.