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The United States has applied pressure on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with Cambodia, indicating that trade talks could be halted as efforts are made to stop a Trump-mediated ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.

Border Tensions Escalate

Earlier this week, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that reportedly wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who lost a foot in the blast.

Since then, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, raising concerns of a new round of retaliatory clashes.

US Trade Pressure

Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a official communication from the U.S. trade office declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was received on the previous evening.

He quoted the letter as saying that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could resume once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.

“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” stated another government spokesperson.

President’s Economic Warning

Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on the end of the week, the US leader implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the ASEAN nation heads.

He stated, “I stopped a war just today through the use of tariffs, the threat of tariffs,” adding, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”

Ceasefire Agreement Background

The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this October, and has promoted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he claims should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.

The worst fighting in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops broke out in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.

Longstanding Border Dispute

The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to disagreements over colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the border are claimed by both sides.

International news agency contributed to this report.