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Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, warning that trade negotiations could be halted as efforts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from collapsing.

Rising Border Hostilities

In recent days, Thai officials declared it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly injured a Thai soldier on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.

Following this, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, raising concerns of a new round of retaliatory clashes.

American Economic Leverage

Over the weekend, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson informed reporters that a official communication from the U.S. trade office announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was received on the previous evening.

The spokesperson referenced the letter as stating that trade negotiations – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could restart once the Thai government renewed its pledge to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.

“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” 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 implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions 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.”

Truce Deal Origins

The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this October, 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 ten years between military forces of both nations erupted in mid-summer, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.

Longstanding Border Dispute

Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that dates back to conflicts regarding colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the frontier are disputed by each nation.

Reuters provided input for this coverage.