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

Senior officials from both countries say they were still waiting to hear final details on the deals after comments by the U.S. commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Wednesday that Thailand and Cambodia reached trade agreements with the U.S. just days after the Southeast Asian countries agreed to a ceasefire to end the