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The United States has applied pressure on the Thai administration to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, indicating that trade talks could be suspended as attempts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from falling apart.

Rising Border Hostilities

In recent days, Thailand announced it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodia of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly injured a Thai soldier on patrol, who lost a foot in the explosion.

Following this, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, 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 pause in trade negotiations was received on Friday night.

The spokesperson referenced the document as saying that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could resume once Thailand renewed its pledge to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.

“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” stated a different official representative.

President’s Economic Warning

Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, Trump implied that he had employed tariff warnings in calls with the ASEAN nation heads.

The US president said, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” adding, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”

Truce Deal Origins

The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has promoted it as one of several deals around the globe he says should win him the Nobel Peace prize.

The worst fighting in a decade between military forces of both nations broke out in mid-summer, 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 conflicts regarding maps from the colonial period drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the frontier are claimed by both sides.

International news agency provided input for this coverage.