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The United States has applied pressure on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with Cambodia, warning that trade talks could be halted as efforts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.

Rising Border Hostilities

Earlier this week, Thailand announced it was suspending the truce agreement, alleging Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly wounded a Thai soldier on duty, who lost a foot in the blast.

Since then, a fatality occurred and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a new round of retaliatory clashes.

US Trade Pressure

Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office told journalists that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative announcing the pause in trade negotiations was received on the previous evening.

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

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

President’s Economic Warning

Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on the end of the week, the US leader 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’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”

Ceasefire Agreement Background

The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this October, and has touted it as one of several deals around the globe he says should win him the Nobel Peace prize.

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

Historic Frontier Conflict

Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to 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.