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Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a truce deal with the Cambodian side, warning 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 declared it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly injured a Thai military personnel on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.

Following this, a fatality occurred and multiple individuals injured by gunfire along the border between the two nations, sparking fears of a fresh wave of retaliatory clashes.

American Economic Leverage

On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a official communication from the Office of the US Trade Representative declaring the pause in trade negotiations was received on Friday night.

The spokesperson referenced the document as stating that trade negotiations – which are focusing on a US tariff of 19% – could restart once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.

“Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” stated a different official representative.

Trump’s Tariff Threat

Addressing reporters aboard the presidential plane as he traveled to the Sunshine State 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,” continuing, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”

Truce Deal Origins

Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this last autumn, and has promoted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he claims should win him the Nobel Peace prize.

The most severe clashes in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in July, 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 dates back to conflicts regarding maps from the colonial period drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the border are claimed by both sides.

Reuters contributed to this report.