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The United States has applied pressure on Thailand to recommit to a truce deal with Cambodia, indicating that trade talks could be halted as efforts are made to prevent a Trump-mediated peace agreement from falling apart.

Rising Border Hostilities

In recent days, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, accusing Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly wounded a Thai military personnel on duty, who suffered a foot amputation in the explosion.

Following this, one person has been killed and multiple individuals injured by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, raising concerns of a fresh wave of retaliatory clashes.

US Trade Pressure

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.

He quoted the document as stating that trade negotiations – which are addressing a 19 percent American duty – could resume once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration.

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

President’s Economic Warning

Addressing reporters aboard the presidential plane as he traveled to the Sunshine State on the end of the week, the US leader implied that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in discussions with the ASEAN nation heads.

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

Ceasefire Agreement Background

The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this last autumn, and has promoted it as one of several deals around the globe he claims should win him the Nobel Peace prize.

The most severe clashes in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced.

Longstanding Border Dispute

Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that originates from disagreements over colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the border are claimed by both sides.

International news agency provided input for this coverage.