Thousands Rally in Phnom Penh to Back Troops Amid Thai Tensions

[geovalin]

Khem Sovanara

 

Thousands of Cambodians gathered in Phnom Penh on Saturday in a striking display of national unity, singing the anthem and waving flags in support of frontline troops amid deepening border tensions with Thailand.

 

Led by Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many and First Lady Pich Chanmony, the event—held at the National Olympic Stadium—drew massive crowds clad in “Khmer National Pride” shirts. The rally, titled “Let’s Sing the National Anthem Together to Support the Frontline Heroes”, was organised to honour soldiers defending Cambodia’s territorial integrity.

 

The show of solidarity follows a deadly May incident in which a Cambodian soldier was reportedly killed by Thai troops near the contested Mom Bei area. Since then, officials say Thai forces have escalated provocations—closing border crossings, threatening to cut vital supplies, and reinforcing positions near disputed territory.

 

“Our presence today reflects the understanding that we are all part of the national defence effort,” said Hun Many, who also heads the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC). The group has launched fundraising drives to directly support troops stationed at the border.

 

According to Many, over 1,600 families have been displaced by the rising tensions, fleeing to safer areas such as Wat Por 5000 in Preah Vihear province. He accused Thailand of refusing peaceful dialogue, citing verbal clashes, military build-ups, and attempts to build a fence around the ancient Ta Moan Thom Temple, which Cambodia claims lies within its territory.

 

The rally marked Cambodia’s largest public gathering since June’s Solidarity March and coincided with a separate march on Friday, when more than 150,000 Cambodians paraded through the capital in a similar show of patriotic resolve.

 

Prime Minister Hun Manet later thanked the public for their support, affirming Cambodia’s dual strategy: peaceful resolution through international law, and readiness to respond militarily to any further incursions. “Cambodia stands ready,” he said, “to defend every millimetre of our sovereignty.”

 

As tensions mount along the border, the government’s message is clear: the nation stands united behind its troops—resolute, proud, and prepared.

 

-2025-07-21

[Will B Good]

 

 

What a farce.......what do despotic leaders need the most?......An enemy to occupy the minds of those who finding thinking quite difficult.

 

 

That reminds me.......