Since US President Donald Trump threw his support behind ceasefire talks between Thailand and Cambodia — leading to an end to hostilities on July 28 — Cambodian citizens have taken to social media to express their gratitude. Many have suggested that he should be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for his part in the cessation of the border conflict.
Trump’s portrait, with a range of supportive hashtags and messages, has been shared widely on social media, with the public showing their support for the American leader’s apparent concern for the lives of Cambodians and Thais. Hashtags like #ThanksTrump, #PresidentOfPeace and #TrumpForPeacePrize have flooded social media platforms.
“Previously, I criticised and blamed Donald Trump, but now he is a benefactor of the Cambodian people. I express my gratitude and appreciation to US President Donald Trump for intervening in the historic conflict between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of Cambodia,” said Sotheara, a Facebook user.
“Without the president, both countries would still be fighting today, and the people of both nations would continue to lose more lives,” he added.
Along with the hashtags, portraits of Trump and images of the impact of the skirmishes between the two neighbouring kingdoms, pictures of displaced children and refugees have been widely circulated, a long with calls for him to be nominated for a Nobel.
Appreciation for Trump has also been expressed by members of the Cambodian leadership, including Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate president Hun Sen, as well as National Assembly president Khuon Sudary. They also praised Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN chair, and China, for their role as observers.
“We heartfelt appreciate the US president for co-organising the talks, with the active participation of China. We express our deepest gratitude and thank you and all international friends for supporting the ceasefire which has saved the lives and livelihood of the people of the two nations, Cambodia and Thailand,” said Sudary.
