Bangkok: Thailand says its trade discussions with the United States have been slowed because Washington wants clarity on Bangkok’s commitment to a recent truce agreement with Cambodia. The pause comes as tension rises along the Thai Cambodian border following new incidents that Thailand says violate the ceasefire.

According to Thai officials, the Office of the United States Trade Representative informed Bangkok that progress on a planned reciprocal trade framework would remain on hold until Thailand confirms its position on the truce. The framework was announced in October and was expected to open the door to possible tariff reductions on selected Thai products, although the current 19 percent tariff would remain in place for now.

The issue is tied to a ceasefire deal between Thailand and Cambodia brokered with US support. Thailand recently said it suspended its implementation of the agreement after soldiers were injured by landmines along the border. Thai authorities claim the mines were newly planted by Cambodian forces, an allegation Phnom Penh has not publicly confirmed.

Despite the concerns, Thailand’s foreign ministry says the trade process with Washington has not been cancelled and that discussions will continue once the truce question is addressed. The ministry said it received the US letter late on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump spoke separately with leaders of both countries and expressed optimism that the tensions could be resolved, though he did not comment directly on the letter about the trade talks.

The United States has also taken other steps in the region in recent weeks, including lifting its arms embargo on Cambodia earlier this month after progress on the ceasefire agreement. The move signalled Washington’s interest in encouraging stability in the border area.

The situation has become a test of both diplomacy and regional security. If Thailand and Cambodia reaffirm the truce and address concerns over landmines and troop activity, trade talks with the United States are likely to move forward. But continued incidents near the border could delay progress and create further uncertainty for Thai exporters who were hoping for tariff relief.

Officials in Bangkok and Phnom Penh are expected to hold further discussions with international partners in the coming days to prevent the dispute from escalating and to bring the trade process back on track.