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Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, stating that trade talks could be halted as attempts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.

Rising Border Hostilities

Earlier this week, Thailand declared it was suspending the ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodian forces of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly wounded a Thai military personnel on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.

Since then, one person has been killed and several others wounded by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, raising concerns of a new round 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 announcing the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on the previous evening.

He quoted the letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could restart once Thailand renewed its pledge to implementing the mutual truce agreement.

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

President’s Economic Warning

Speaking to the press aboard the presidential plane as he traveled to the Sunshine State on the end of the week, the US leader suggested that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the south-east Asian leaders.

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.”

Truce Deal Origins

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

The worst fighting in a decade between military forces of both nations broke out in mid-summer, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes 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 maps from the colonial period created by French cartographers. Historic shrines along the border are claimed by both sides.

Reuters provided input for this coverage.