Trump pressures Thailand to recommit to Cambodia ceasefire with ‘threat of tariffs’

The US has put pressure on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire with Cambodia, warning trade talks could be halted as Washington seeks to keep a Donald Trump-brokered truce agreement from falling apart. Earlier this week, Thailand said that it was suspending the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the border, including one it said wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who lost a foot in the explosion. Since then, one person has been killed and several others wounded by gunfire along the Thai-Cambodia frontier, leading to concerns of a new round of tit-for-tat fighting. On Saturday, Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told journalists that a letter from the Office of the US Trade Representative announcing the suspension of trade deal talks was received on Friday night. Related: Fatal clash on Thai-Cambodia border after Trump-brokered peace deal breaks down He quoted the letter as saying trade negotiations – which are addressing a US tariff of 19% – could resume once Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out the joint ceasefire declaration. However, another government spokesperson, Siripong Angkasakulkiat, said later on Saturday that the temporary suspension occurred before a call between Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Trump late on Friday. “Tariff negotiations will continue and remain separate from border issues,” Siripong said. Addressing reporters on Air Force One as he flew to Florida on Friday, Trump suggested that he had used the “threat of tariffs” in calls with the south-east Asian leaders. The US president said, “I stopped a war just today through the use of tariffs, the threat of tariffs,” adding, “they’re doing great. I think they’re gonna be fine. Thai foreign ministry spokesperson Nikorndej said prime minister Anutin explained the matter to Trump on their call, “who expressed understanding regarding the issue”. Trump oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement, held in Malaysia this October, and has touted it as one of several deals around the world he says should win him the Nobel Peace prize. The worst fighting in a decade between Thai and Cambodian troops erupted in July, with gunfire, artillery and airstrikes leaving dozens of people killed and 300,000 displaced. Thailand and Cambodia have a longstanding border dispute that dates back to disagreements over colonial-era maps drawn up by the French. Ancient temples along the border are claimed by both sides. Reuters contributed to this report