Published: 1:57pm, 20 Nov 2025Updated: 1:58pm, 20 Nov 2025
A Cambodian beauty queen has stirred controversy in Thailand after giving a political speech accusing Bangkok of provoking conflict during a pageant segment in Phnom Penh, with social media users accusing her of using an international dispute to grab attention.
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A day after Chouri Laorhours was crowned Miss Teen Cambodia, her tearful speech was posted on the pageant’s social media account.
In a video, Laorhours carries a Cambodian flag and starts her speech in Khmer. Speaking “on behalf of all Cambodian people,” she asks for the return of 18 Cambodian soldiers being held by Thailand, according to the Khmer Times newspaper.
She then switches to English, adding: “Cambodia and Thailand have always lived together in peace, but now that peace has ended because Thailand started the war, something we never asked for … We do not want to fight. We want peace. We are not enemies. We are neighbours, human beings who deserve safety and a future free from hatred and war. Thank you.”
Soon after the clip was posted on Monday, it drew contrasting comments on both sides of the border.
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Cambodians commended her for her patriotic speech. Thais, however, questioned the appropriateness of making such a political statement during a beauty pageant, while others accused her of fanning anti-Thai sentiments at such a sensitive time, The Nation reported. The phrase “Thailand started the war” is also trending online.