Faith and Civilians Unite for Peace as Cambodia–Thailand Clash Deepens Humanitarian Crisis

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 19, 2025) — Tens of thousands of Buddhist monks and Cambodian civilians marched through Phnom Penh on Thursday in a public appeal for peace, as the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict continued to exact a heavy humanitarian toll.

The procession, titled “Walk for Peace,” was organized by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia and drew monks from temples nationwide, along with youth groups and citizens from across the country. The march began at the Riverside Night Market and ended at the Independence Monument, symbolizing Cambodia’s call for an end to violence and renewed respect for ceasefire agreements.

UYFC President Hun Many said the march was intended to send a clear message to the international community and the Thai people that Cambodia does not seek war.

“Cambodia wants peace, reconciliation and the restoration of trust,” he said, adding that the voices of citizens and monks reflect the shared desire to end destruction affecting both nations.

The march came as fighting along the border entered its 13th day, with Cambodian authorities condemning what they described as indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas by Thai forces.

According to the Ministry of National Defence, shelling and airstrikes have struck villages, schools and urban areas with no clear military objectives. From Dec. 7 to the morning of Dec. 18, the violence killed 18 civilians and injured 79 others, while forcing 144,086 families — about 476,224 people — to flee their homes.

Women and children account for most of those displaced, underscoring the growing humanitarian crisis as fighting spreads beyond frontline zones. As monks walked alongside civilians, calling for peace through spiritual solidarity rather than force, the demonstration stood in stark contrast to the escalating violence at the border — highlighting Cambodia’s plea for diplomacy, restraint and an immediate return to dialogue.