Cambodia has announced plans to nominate former U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his intervention in brokering a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand. The decision was confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol during a press briefing in Phnom Penh, where he expressed gratitude for Trump’s diplomatic efforts.
Chanthol emphasized that Trump had played a crucial role in promoting peace and deserved recognition for helping end hostilities between the neighboring Southeast Asian nations.
Trump Leveraged Trade to End Conflict, Gains Global Support for Peace Prize Nomination
The conflict, which erupted after a land mine incident injured Thai soldiers, escalated rapidly and resulted in the deaths of at least 43 people and the displacement of over 300,000 civilians. Trump reportedly urged both governments to cease hostilities, threatening to suspend trade talks unless the violence stopped.
His intervention prompted negotiations in Malaysia, where a ceasefire was officially reached. Trump later described the conflict as centuries-old and credited trade leverage for ending what could have become a prolonged war.
Cambodia is not the first country to consider Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Pakistani officials had previously expressed similar intentions in recognition of Trump’s involvement in other international peace efforts.
Trump himself highlighted his diplomatic approach during a recent trip to Scotland, explaining that he had pressured both Cambodia and Thailand to resolve their differences through trade incentives rather than violence.
White House Credits Trump’s Diplomacy, Cambodia Thanks Him for Trade and Peace Efforts
Following the announcement of the ceasefire, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt credited Trump’s direct involvement as the primary reason for the breakthrough.
She publicly advocated for his nomination on social media, reinforcing the administration’s stance that Trump’s unconventional diplomatic methods were effective. The ceasefire marked the end of the most intense border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand in over a decade.
In addition to the peace deal, Cambodia has expressed appreciation for Trump’s trade policy adjustments. Chanthol noted that Trump’s decision to reduce threatened tariffs from 49% to 19% spared Cambodia’s key garment and footwear industries from potential collapse.
As Cambodia’s top trade negotiator, Chanthol emphasized the significance of this economic relief, stating it further justified the country’s nomination of Trump for the prestigious peace award.
