Cambodia said on Friday that it plans to nominate U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, in an unexpected global turn of events. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and chief trade negotiator Sun Chanthol made the announcement, attributing Trump’s direct intervention in securing a ceasefire in the recent border war with Thailand.
The cross-border tensions, the worst seen in more than a decade, lasted five days and killed at least 43 and displaced more than 300,000 civilians. The conflict was on the verge of spiralling further until President Trump, according to sources, made a direct call to Cambodian and Thai leadership demanding an urgent ceasefire. A truce was then negotiated in Malaysia and announced on Monday.
“We recognise his tremendous efforts for peace,” Chanthol stated at a press conference in Phnom Penh. “His intervention not only saved lives but also brought stability to the region. That is why we think President Trump should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.”
This action was preceded by other global endorsements of Trump’s peace efforts. In June, Pakistan showed its willingness to nominate Trump for helping de-escalate tensions with India, and last month Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly announced that he had nominated Trump for the highly esteemed award.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted Trump’s central role in a Twitter post. “Give him the Nobel Peace Prize!” she wrote almost as soon as the ceasefire was agreed.
The Nobel Peace Prize, which is awarded each year by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, is seen as the world’s top international accolade to honour individuals or groups that have made outstanding contributions to peace and diplomacy.
In addition to his service in diffusing the conflict, Cambodia also thanked the Trump administration for relaxing a potentially lethal economic slap. Originally slapped with a 49% tariff on its essential garment and shoe exports, Cambodia had the rate lowered to 19% eventually after negotiations. “The original rate would have killed our industry,” said Chanthol in a Reuters interview. “President Trump’s action saved thousands of Cambodian jobs.”
Though officially to be put forward in the next few weeks, the nomination has already caused a mixed response around the world. Supporters praise Trump’s unorthodox foreign policy tactics as well as his eagerness to get his hands dirty when it comes to conflict resolution. Critics, though, express doubt, citing controversy over his past leadership and doubting the long-term viability of his peace initiatives.
However, Cambodia’s support contributes to Trump’s increasing number of international recognitions during his second term as U.S. President. It remains to be seen whether or not the Nobel Committee will consider these nominations, but momentum on his candidacy is certainly building.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Cambodia nominating Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize?
Cambodia thanks President Trump for his unilateral action to stop the recent violent border skirmish with Thailand. His phone call to leaders of both countries allegedly ended the diplomatic stalemate, and a ceasefire negotiated in Malaysia was successful.
Has Donald Trump ever been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize previously?
Yes. Trump had already been nominated for his contribution towards keeping the Israel-Arab countries peace talks under way, and again by Pakistan and Israel in 2025 for his work in Asia and the Middle East.
What was the result of the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand?
The fighting continued for five days, killed a minimum of 43 people, and drove more than 300,000 from their homes. Trump’s intervention led to a ceasefire that ended the most intense border clashes in years.
For what other reasons did Cambodia nominate Trump?
Aside from his peace initiatives, Cambodia welcomed Trump’s economic move to roll back a potentially crippling tariff from 49% to 19%, which saved the nation’s important garment and footwear sectors.
How and when will the Nobel Peace Prize nominations be considered or revealed?
The Nobel Committee considers nominations all year long, with the Peace Prize laureate revealed in October and the award ceremony taking place in December in Oslo, Norway.
