The suspension comes as border tensions between the neighbouring Southeast Asian countries rise once again, prompting diplomatic pressure from Washington.

Thai officials said they received a formal letter from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on Friday night informing them that negotiations would not proceed until Bangkok reaffirmed its adherence to the U.S.-brokered truce.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura told reporters that the letter made clear the talks could restart once Thailand again confirmed its commitment to the joint ceasefire declaration.

Thailand recently argued that the ceasefire could not move forward due to what it described as violations by Cambodia, including accusations of newly laid landmines along the tense border.

Phnom Penh has rejected those claims, saying its forces have not breached any agreements and accusing Thailand of overreacting.

The halted negotiations affect a framework announced last month, in which the United States and Thailand outlined plans for reciprocal trade adjustments.

Under the proposed structure, the U.S. would maintain its existing 19% tariff on Thai goods while both sides identified products that could see tariffs reduced or eliminated in the future.

Officials from both countries were expected to negotiate implementation details before any agreement could be formally signed.
Now, that process remains on hold as tensions over the ceasefire overshadow economic cooperation between two long-standing partners.

Separately, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with the leaders of both Thailand and Cambodia on Friday night following renewed clashes along the border.

He told reporters afterward that he believed the situation would stabilise, but he did not refer to the reported USTR letter or the paused trade discussions.

There was no mention of a suspension on the White House or USTR websites, where updates on other trade negotiations were posted.

This absence has raised questions about how publicly the U.S. administration plans to address the diplomatic link between the ceasefire and trade talks.

Thailand suspended its participation in the ceasefire earlier this week after claiming that fresh landmines had severely injured Thai soldiers near contested territory.

The Thai government demanded an apology and further assurances from Cambodia before proceeding, though Cambodian officials firmly deny involvement in any new incidents.

Spokesperson Nikorndej said Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul explained the situation directly to President Trump during their phone call.

According to the spokesperson, Trump expressed understanding regarding Thailand’s concerns, though he also urged for rapid progress on border security issues.

Following the call, Anutin posted on Facebook that he had asked Trump to consider reducing the 19% tariff that remains a key issue in bilateral trade.

Anutin wrote that Trump viewed the tariff as already fairly low but said he would consider adjustments if Thailand completed landmine clearance along the border in an efficient manner.

The latest developments highlight how regional security issues are increasingly intersecting with economic negotiations in Southeast Asia.

With Washington’s insistence on linking trade progress to ceasefire adherence, Thailand now faces pressure to resolve its disputes with Cambodia if it hopes to move forward with the proposed trade framework.

Diplomats in Bangkok say the temporary suspension does not mark the end of talks but signals that political conditions must stabilise before negotiations regain momentum.

For now, both countries are watching whether Thailand and Cambodia can de-escalate tensions quickly enough to restore confidence and reopen the path toward expanded trade cooperation.

The agreement, announced on Sunday, marks an important milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two nations, reflecting a shared vision for open and balanced trade.

The new framework lays the foundation for reciprocal trade relations that will strengthen supply chains, create job opportunities, and increase market access for businesses in both countries.

Under the agreement, the United States will maintain a 19 percent tariff on certain Thai products while exploring opportunities to adjust or reduce tariffs on specific goods in the near future.

This approach aims to ensure stability in trade relations while encouraging gradual liberalization based on mutual interests.

In return, Thailand has agreed to eliminate tariff barriers on approximately 99 percent of goods, paving the way for a wider range of U.S. industrial, food, and agricultural products to enter the Thai market.

This move is expected to diversify Thailand’s imports, boost consumer choice, and promote competitiveness in key sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and agriculture.

According to a joint statement issued by both countries, the agreement is designed to enhance transparency, fairness, and sustainability in international trade.

It also underscores Thailand’s growing role as a reliable economic partner and strategic ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region.

Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining open communication and cooperation in addressing trade challenges while supporting innovation and investment.

The United States, one of Thailand’s largest trading partners, has long been a key destination for Thai exports, including textiles, electronics, and seafood.

Meanwhile, American products such as machinery, agricultural goods, and automobiles have played an important role in Thailand’s industrial and consumer markets.

The latest framework aims to balance this exchange and encourage new areas of collaboration in digital trade, renewable energy, and technology transfer.

Thai officials welcomed the agreement as a forward-looking initiative that will benefit both nations’ economies.

They emphasized that reducing trade barriers will not only promote exports and attract foreign investment but also enhance Thailand’s position as a regional hub for trade and logistics.

The move aligns with the government’s broader vision to expand trade partnerships and strengthen global economic integration.

The United States, for its part, praised Thailand’s openness and efforts to modernize its trade practices.

Officials expressed optimism that the new framework would create a more predictable and transparent environment for American businesses operating in Southeast Asia.

The deal also supports U.S. goals of strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific region, fostering sustainable supply chains, and promoting fair competition.

The agreement includes provisions to address specific barriers to U.S. exports, such as improving the acceptance process for American-made vehicles and ensuring compliance with international safety and environmental standards.

These measures are expected to make it easier for U.S. manufacturers to compete in Thailand’s rapidly growing automotive market, while giving Thai consumers access to high-quality vehicles at competitive prices.

Economists have described the agreement as a positive signal for global trade cooperation, particularly at a time when many countries are seeking to strengthen partnerships amid shifting economic dynamics.

By committing to fair trade and mutual respect, Thailand and the United States are setting a constructive example for other nations pursuing balanced and sustainable trade relationships.

The framework agreement also serves as a platform for future negotiations that could further reduce tariffs, expand trade in services, and foster collaboration in emerging industries.

With strong political will and economic alignment, both nations are well-positioned to build on this momentum and shape a prosperous future based on shared growth and partnership.