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A newly crowned Cambodian queen of beauty Controversy erupts after she used her competition platform to make allegations Thailand Inciting hostilities along the border and detaining Cambodian soldiers.
Chouri Lorhorse named Miss Teen cambodia 2025 gave a speech on Sunday that caused a stir in Thailand.
A day after Ms. Lawhorse captured the title, pageant organizers released a video of her holding a Cambodian flag and addressing the audience in Khmer.
Speaking “on behalf of all Cambodians”, he reportedly demanded the return of 18 soldiers captured by Thailand.
Proceeding to speak in English, he declared: “Cambodia and Thailand always lived together in peace, but now that peace has ended because Thailand has started a war, something we never asked for. We don’t want to fight. We want peace. We are not enemies. We are neighbors, human beings who deserve security and a future free of hatred and war. Thank you.”
This comment came amid increased tension on the border. Although both sides accepted a US-brokered ceasefire late last month, clashes have continued. On 10 November, Bangkok suspended its commitments under the agreement after accusing the rival country of planting landmines, which caused an explosion and injured Thai soldiers.
In the clashes since then, both governments have accused the other of firing first.
Online reactions to Ms Lawhorse’s speech were sharply divided.
While Cambodians largely praised his patriotism, Thai users questioned the propriety of invoking geopolitics during a teenage beauty pageant.
The phrase “Thailand started the war” rapidly began trending on Thai social media.
Ms. Lawhorse is no stranger to public scrutiny. Thai PBS World said that throughout the competition his critics accused him of profiting from family wealth.
He rejected such claims and insisted that his victory was based on merit. “People who think I win because I have money are wrong,” she wrote on social media. “I always compete based on my ability. The competition selects contestants who truly have talent. Whether one has the resources or not, if they have more ability, they will win the crown with dignity.”