When Cambodia announced its intention to nominate Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the US, for the Nobel Peace Prize for helping secure a ceasefire on the Cambodian-Thai border, Thai media erupted in ridicule. Khaosod English, echoing Bangkok’s political sentiment, mocked the move as unnecessary and embarrassing.
But ridicule cannot erase reality. Trump’s intervention helped stop bloodshed. His engagement pressured Thailand to finally respect the ceasefire after weeks of cross‑border provocations that risked dragging the region into deeper conflict. Cambodia’s nomination is an expression of gratitude to the figure who helped prevent more lives from being lost — an act of diplomacy rooted in peace, not politics.
Thailand’s refusal to acknowledge this achievement speaks volumes. Instead of recognising its own role in escalating tensions, Bangkok hides behind sarcasm, criticising Cambodia for valuing peace. By mocking Cambodia’s gesture, Thailand exposes its pride and its unwillingness to admit responsibility for the crisis.
The Nobel Peace Prize rewards those who take real action to end conflict, not those who deny it ever existed. Cambodia has chosen to honour peace. Thailand’s ridicule changes nothing. History will remember who stood for stability — and who stood in the way.
Roth Santepheap is a geopolitical analyst based in Phnom Penh. The views and opinions expressed are his own.
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