150,000 Cambodians Rally for Peaceful Border Resolution

[geovalin]

KT Chea Kunthea

 

 

In a remarkable display of unity, over 150,000 Cambodians marched through Phnom Penh yesterday in support of their government’s legal approach to settling a simmering border dispute with Thailand.

 

The “Solidarity March”, led by Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many, wound its way from the Koh Pich Theatre to the Independence Monument. Participants of all ages and backgrounds—including monks, students, officials, and villagers—joined the peaceful procession, waving flags and wearing traditional attire under the hot sun.

 

The demonstration was organised by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC) as a symbolic show of support for Cambodia’s armed forces and the government’s recent decision to take the border issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The dispute centres on contested areas surrounding the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabey temples, as well as the Mom Bei region.

 

Speaking at the event, Hun Many stressed that the march was not meant to provoke, but to show “trust and confidence” in the government’s diplomatic path. “Cambodia will not remain silent in the face of threats to its dignity and territory,” he said, reaffirming the state’s commitment to peace through international law.

 

The rally coincided with a new opinion survey by the Asian Vision Institute (AVI), which found overwhelming support for the government’s stance. Of the 1,588 respondents surveyed nationwide, 93.6% said they were satisfied with the handling of the issue. A striking 99.8% backed the ICJ route, with only 0.2% favouring war.

 

Public sentiment also favoured the recent ban on Thai produce imports, imposed after the Thai military restricted border crossings. Almost 89% supported the ban, while 96% endorsed keeping Cambodian troops on full alert.

 

While the Thai government has said little publicly, many Cambodians believe the recent tensions were sparked by Thai military actions, not political directives from Bangkok. AVI reported that 73.8% blamed the Thai army for recent flare-ups, while a further 23% pointed to Thai nationalist groups.

 

For the Cambodian government, the message is clear: the people are behind them. As Hun Many declared to the crowd, “We will stand firm—peacefully, lawfully, and together.”

 

 

-2025-06-19