Phnom Penh( The COW News Digital)Cambodia has announced plans to nominate former U.S. President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his diplomatic role in ending recent border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand that resulted in dozens of casualties and mass displacement.
Speaking to local and international media, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister praised Trump’s behind-the-scenes efforts in de-escalating the months-long border conflict, which had left at least 43 people dead and displaced over 300,000 residents. “President Trump played a vital role in bringing both sides to the negotiation table. His direct engagement with regional leaders and commitment to peace deserves global recognition,” the deputy PM stated.
He added that Trump’s broader initiatives—including easing trade tariffs, facilitating economic cooperation, and fostering dialogue—helped calm tensions in Southeast Asia. Specifically, he highlighted the reduction of export tariffs on Cambodia’s footwear and garment industries from 49% to 19% as a “milestone gesture of goodwill.”
The border clashes, which began earlier this year over a long-disputed territory, escalated into a humanitarian crisis until Trump intervened diplomatically. He reportedly made direct calls to the Prime Ministers of both Cambodia and Thailand, conditioning future trade agreements with the U.S. on the peaceful resolution of the dispute.
These efforts culminated in a landmark ceasefire agreement reached during multilateral peace talks in Kuala Lumpur. The talks were attended by the Prime Ministers of Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia, as well as diplomatic representatives from the U.S. and China. The agreement marked a major turning point in Southeast Asia’s fragile geopolitical landscape.
This move by Cambodia follows similar nominations earlier this year by Pakistan and Israel, both of which credited Trump for his contributions to regional stability and conflict resolution.
Trump, known for his controversial foreign policy strategies, has previously claimed credit for peace agreements in the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula during his presidency. His renewed global recognition may signal a broader diplomatic comeback ahead of the 2026 U.S. elections.
Observers say that while Nobel Peace Prize nominations do not guarantee a win, the growing list of endorsements may add weight to Trump’s international legacy.
