🔗 Share this article

The United States has applied pressure on Thailand to recommit to a truce deal with Cambodia, stating that trade talks could be paused as attempts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.

Rising Border Hostilities

Earlier this week, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodia of planting new explosives along the shared border, including one that allegedly wounded a Thai military personnel on patrol, who lost a foot 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

On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a official communication from the U.S. trade office declaring the suspension of trade deal talks was obtained on the previous evening.

The spokesperson referenced the letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could resume once Thailand renewed its pledge to implementing the joint ceasefire declaration.

“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” stated another government spokesperson.

President’s Economic Warning

Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on Friday, the US leader implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” 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.”

Ceasefire Agreement Background

The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has promoted it as one of multiple agreements around the globe he says should win him the prestigious peace award.

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 leaving dozens of people killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.

Historic Frontier Conflict

The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that originates from conflicts regarding colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Historic shrines along the border are disputed by each nation.

International news agency contributed to this report.