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Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, indicating that trade negotiations could be halted as attempts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.

Rising Border Hostilities

In recent days, Thai officials declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly injured a Thai military personnel on duty, who lost a foot in the explosion.

Following this, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.

American Economic Leverage

On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a letter from the U.S. trade office declaring the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on the previous evening.

The spokesperson referenced the letter as stating that discussions on trade – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could restart once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.

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

President’s Economic Warning

Addressing reporters aboard the presidential plane as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, the US leader suggested 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’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”

Ceasefire Agreement Background

The President witnessed the finalization of a peace deal, held in Malaysia this October, and has promoted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he says should win him the prestigious peace award.

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

Longstanding Border Dispute

Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that dates back to conflicts regarding colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the frontier are claimed by both sides.

Reuters provided input for this coverage.