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Washington has exerted influence on Thailand to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, warning that trade talks could be suspended as attempts are made to stop a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from falling apart.

Border Tensions Escalate

Earlier this week, Thai officials declared it was putting on hold the ceasefire deal, alleging Cambodian forces 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, one person has been killed and several others wounded by gunfire along the border between the two nations, raising concerns of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting.

American Economic Leverage

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

The spokesperson referenced the letter as saying that trade negotiations – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could restart once the Thai government renewed its pledge to carrying out the mutual truce agreement.

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

President’s Economic Warning

Speaking to the press aboard the presidential plane 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.

He stated, “Today, I prevented a conflict using tariffs, the menace of duties,” adding, “they are performing well. I believe they will be okay.”

Truce Deal Origins

Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this October, and has promoted it as one of multiple agreements around the world he claims should earn him the Nobel Peace prize.

The worst fighting in a ten years between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and hundreds of thousands forced to flee.

Longstanding Border Dispute

Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that originates from conflicts regarding colonial-era maps created by French cartographers. Ancient temples along the frontier are claimed by both sides.

International news agency contributed to this report.