🔗 Share this article Trump Compels the Thai government to Recommit to Cambodian Truce with Trade Penalties Washington has exerted influence on the Thai administration to reaffirm its dedication to a ceasefire agreement with Cambodia, indicating that trade negotiations could be paused as efforts are made to prevent a Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire arrangement from falling apart. Rising Border Hostilities Earlier this week, Thailand declared it was putting on hold the truce agreement, alleging Cambodian forces of planting new explosives along the mutual frontier, including one that allegedly injured a Thai military personnel on duty, who lost a foot in the blast. Following this, one person has been killed and several others wounded by exchanges of fire along the border between the two nations, raising concerns of a fresh wave of tit-for-tat fighting. American Economic Leverage On Saturday, a representative from Thailand's foreign office informed reporters that a official communication from the U.S. trade office declaring the pause in trade negotiations was obtained on Friday night. The spokesperson referenced the letter as saying that trade negotiations – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could resume once Thailand renewed its pledge to implementing the mutual truce agreement. “Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” stated another government spokesperson. President’s Economic Warning Addressing reporters aboard the presidential plane as he flew to Florida on Friday, Trump suggested that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls 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.” Truce Deal Origins The President witnessed the finalization of a ceasefire agreement, conducted in Malaysian territory this October, and has touted it as one of several deals around the world he claims should earn him the prestigious peace award. The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in July, with exchanges of fire, shelling and aerial attacks causing numerous fatalities and 300,000 displaced. Longstanding Border Dispute Thailand and Cambodia have a historic territorial disagreement that originates from disagreements over colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Historic shrines along the frontier are claimed by both sides. International news agency contributed to this report.