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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 paused as attempts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered peace agreement from falling apart.

Rising Border Hostilities

Earlier this week, Thai officials announced it was suspending the truce agreement, alleging Cambodia of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly injured a Thai military personnel on patrol, who suffered a foot amputation in the blast.

Following this, a fatality occurred and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, sparking fears of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting.

American Economic Leverage

Over the weekend, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a letter from the Office of the US Trade Representative announcing the pause in trade negotiations was received on Friday night.

He quoted the document as stating that discussions on trade – which are focusing on a 19 percent American duty – could restart once the Thai government reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.

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

Trump’s Tariff Threat

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 south-east Asian leaders.

He stated, “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

Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this October, and has touted it as one of several deals around the world he says should win him the prestigious peace award.

The most severe clashes in a ten years between military forces of both nations broke out in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks leaving dozens of people killed and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.

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.