Peace March Draws 300,000 as Border Tensions Deepen

KT

More than 300,000 people filled the streets of Phnom Penh on Thursday in one of Cambodia’s largest public demonstrations in years, calling for a peaceful resolution to the escalating border conflict with Thailand. The “March for Peace”, organised by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), came as fighting along the frontier continues to unsettle communities and strain diplomatic ties.

The march began at the Phnom Penh Night Market before moving towards Independence Monument Park, transforming the capital’s centre into a sea of flags, colour and music. Led by UYFC President Hun Many, the procession brought together monks, students, government officials, business owners, artists, athletes and families. Children waving miniature flags walked alongside elders, while street vendors and bystanders applauded the crowds passing by.

Organisers said the aim was simple: to show unity and reaffirm Cambodia’s commitment to resolving the crisis through lawful and peaceful means. Som Ratana, Director of Information and Public Relations at UYFC, said the demonstration was not about numbers but about sending a message to the world. “What truly matters is expressing Cambodia’s love for peace and its aspiration for lasting stability,” he said.

In a statement, the UYFC described the march as a reflection of Cambodia’s longstanding belief in diplomacy, dialogue and mutual respect. The organisation also highlighted the role of young people in promoting reconciliation at a time when tensions remain high.

This is not the first such mobilisation. A similar march in June drew more than 150,000 participants, but Thursday’s turnout far surpassed previous events, underscoring both public concern and national solidarity. The scale of the gathering also drew renewed international attention to the conflict, which has intensified since early December.

Cambodia and Thailand share more than 800 kilometres of land border, a frontier that has been the source of disputes for decades. But the situation deteriorated sharply on 7 December, when Thai forces launched repeated attacks across several Cambodian provinces, including Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Battambang and Pursat. Cambodian authorities accuse Thailand of using heavy weapons, F‑16 fighter jets and even toxic gas, in violation of the 26 October peace agreement.

As fighting continues and diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction, Thursday’s march served as both a public plea and a symbolic reminder: despite the violence, many Cambodians remain determined to push for a peaceful, negotiated end to the crisis.

-2025-12-19