Donald Trump has just received another Nobel Peace Prize nomination. This time it comes from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who credited Trump with helping stop a deadly border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.
The surprise announcement followed a tense five day standoff between Thai and Cambodian forces along the countries’ disputed border. The clashes left more than 40 people dead and forced around 300 thousand civilians to flee the area. On July 28, a ceasefire was announced. Just days later, both countries signed a formal agreement to end the fighting.
Now the Cambodian government says it was Trump who made the difference.
In an official letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Hun Manet praised Trump for stepping in at a critical moment. He said Trump played a direct role in de-escalating the violence and preventing further bloodshed.
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“President Trump’s extraordinary statesmanship and visionary diplomacy was most recently demonstrated in his decisive role in brokering an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand,” the letter stated. “This timely intervention was vital in preventing great loss of lives and paved the way toward the restoration of peace.”
According to reports, Trump called both Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai during the standoff. He warned them that talks on future trade with the United States would not move forward unless the conflict ended. Within days, both sides agreed to stop fighting.
Hun Manet’s nomination adds to a growing list of foreign leaders who have praised Trump for his involvement in global conflicts. Trump has previously been nominated by officials in Israel and Pakistan. His administration has also taken credit for de-escalating tensions in places like the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had worked behind the scenes to bring peace between multiple countries, including Rwanda and Congo, Egypt and Ethiopia, India and Pakistan, and Serbia and Kosovo. She also said Trump continues to speak directly with leaders in conflict zones.
Trump, however, has not been able to bring an end to the war in Ukraine despite repeated promises. His close ties with authoritarian governments have also raised concerns. Some analysts say world leaders are nominating Trump as a strategic move, hoping to stay on his good side or win economic favor from the United States.
The Nobel Peace Prize nomination process is open to hundreds of politicians and organizations around the world. The Norwegian Nobel Committee does not reveal the names of official nominees for 50 years, but individuals and governments often go public with their submissions.
Trump has yet to respond to the Cambodia news, but it is almost certain he will use it as a political boost. The next round of Nobel Peace Prizes will be announced in October.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
