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

Rising Border Hostilities

Earlier this week, Thai officials announced it was suspending the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who lost a foot in the explosion.

Following this, a fatality occurred and several others wounded by gunfire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.

US Trade Pressure

Over the weekend, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson told journalists that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative announcing the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on the previous evening.

He quoted the letter as stating that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could resume once the Thai government renewed its pledge to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.

“Trade talks are ongoing and distinct from frontier matters,” stated a different official representative.

Trump’s Tariff Threat

Speaking to the press on Air Force One as he traveled to the Sunshine State on Friday, Trump suggested that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the south-east Asian leaders.

He stated, “I stopped a war just today through the use of tariffs, the threat of tariffs,” continuing, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine.”

Truce Deal Origins

The President witnessed the finalization of a peace deal, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has touted it as one of several deals around the world he claims should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.

The worst fighting in a ten years between military forces of both nations erupted in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.

Historic Frontier Conflict

The two neighboring countries have a longstanding border dispute that originates from disagreements over colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the border are disputed by each nation.

International news agency contributed to this report.