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Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with the Cambodian side, indicating that trade negotiations could be suspended as attempts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated peace agreement from collapsing.

Border Tensions Escalate

In recent days, Thai officials announced it was putting on hold the truce agreement, accusing Cambodia of planting new explosives along the shared border, including one that allegedly injured a Thai military personnel on patrol, who lost a foot in the explosion.

Following this, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.

US Trade Pressure

On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a letter from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on the previous evening.

The spokesperson referenced the letter as saying that discussions on trade – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could resume once Thailand renewed its pledge to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.

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

President’s Economic Warning

Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on Friday, Trump suggested that he had employed tariff warnings 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

Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory 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 erupted in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.

Longstanding Border Dispute

Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the border are claimed by both sides.

International news agency provided input for this coverage.