Cambodian PM Backs Trump for Nobel Peace Prize After Border Truce

Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet has nominated former US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. He credited Trump’s “visionary and innovative diplomacy” for brokering an immediate ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand after deadly border clashes. The five-day conflict last month killed at least 43 people.

It ended after phone calls from Trump and mediation from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese negotiators. Hun Manet’s nomination letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee highlighted Trump’s role in preventing further bloodshed and restoring peace.

Trump’s Role in Cambodia-Thailand Ceasefire

Last month, a territorial dispute between Cambodia and Thailand escalated into cross-border combat. The fighting became the deadliest along their border in more than a decade. Cambodia and Thailand were both under threat of steep US tariffs, which stood at a potential 36 percent. Trump’s intervention, coupled with regional diplomacy, helped secure a truce. The two nations also negotiated reduced tariffs of 19 percent last week. This dual outcome, avoiding both war and economic strain, formed the basis of Hun Manet’s praise.

Hun Manet’s Nomination Letter

In his letter, Hun Manet called Trump’s actions “historic contributions in advancing world peace.” He emphasised Trump’s “extraordinary statesmanship” in resolving conflicts and preventing wars. The prime minister credited the former president’s decisive role in achieving an unconditional ceasefire. He noted the intervention’s timeliness, saying it saved countless lives and paved the way for peace restoration.

Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Process

The Norwegian Nobel Committee does not reveal nominees’ names publicly. However, eligible nominators include lawmakers, ministers, certain professors, former laureates and committee members. The candidate list closes by January 31, and the award is announced in October. Mentioning the Nobel Peace Prize has often served as a diplomatic gesture. Trump has previously been nominated by Pakistan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Global Reactions and Diplomatic Significance

Hun Manet’s move adds to the list of foreign leaders recognising Trump’s peace-brokering credentials. The nomination underscores the geopolitical value of swift diplomacy during armed conflicts and by linking peace efforts with economic negotiations, the ceasefire showcased a multi-pronged approach to conflict resolution.