The US set a 19% levy on imports from Thailand and Cambodia, lower than the 36% they originally faced, after President Donald Trump threatened to block trade deals with them unless they ended a deadly border clash.

"We have small margins," said Suparp. He said they could still manage with tariffs up to 20% or even 25% by cutting costs. When he spoke to the BBC, before the deal was announced, he said the uncertainty was the biggest challenge: "Please - to our government, just get the deal, so we can plan our business."

First came a push from the Malaysian premier, then China reached out, but it was only after President Donald Trump called Thailand's leader last week that Bangkok agreed to talks with Cambodia to end an escalating military conflict.