Monks march for peace, ceasefire respect and soldiers’ release

Buddhist monks marching at Wat Phnom yesterday to call for peace between Cambodia and Thailand. KT/Heng Chivoan

Synopsis: Over 2,500 monks march in Phnom Penh,​ urging respect for the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire and the restoration of peace, security, and stability.

A total of 2,569 Buddhist monks joined a large-scale peace Walk in Phnom Penh yesterday, calling for respect for the ceasefire and the preservation of peace, security, and stability between Cambodia and Thailand.

The march began at 3 pm, with monks gathering at the Wat Phnom Historical and Cultural Site before proceeding along Preah Norodom Boulevard to the Independence Monument. Authorities temporarily closed sections of the road to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.

Venerable Khim Sorn, chief of Phnom Penh municipal monks, said the number of participants was chosen to match the Buddhist Era year 2569, symbolising the age of Buddhism. Monks from major pagodas in the capital took part in the event.

Venerable Sorn said the march had three main objectives: to call for a permanent ceasefire and peaceful borders between the two predominantly Buddhist nations; to urge Thai authorities to release 18 Cambodian soldiers detained in Thailand; and to inspire Cambodians to protect and promote peace so the nation remains safe and harmonious, while showing the world that Cambodia values peace.

“This is the spirit of a nation that loves and desires peace,” he said. “If any side wishes to continue fighting, that is their choice. But for Cambodians, especially the monks who follow Buddhism, our spirit is to protect peace. Even if false statements are made about our country, if we remain truthful and united, we will prevail.”

Venerable Chhoeng Bunchhea, Vice-President of the Cambodian Buddhist Monk Council, said the march also expressed gratitude to the US President Donald Trump for his role in mediating a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, which has held until now.

During the march, Venerable Yon Seng Yeath, chief monk of Wat Ounalom, addressed the recent escalation in border tensions, saying it had brought immense suffering and instability to people in both countries.

Speaking in front of the US Embassy, he praised Trump’s leadership, saying: “The people of both Thailand and Cambodia deserve to live in peace and without fear. Today, 70,000 Cambodian Buddhist monks wholeheartedly support our Prime Minister’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of your historic contribution to advancing world peace.”

Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng said that despite the ceasefire, Thailand has yet to return the detained soldiers, and no full agreement has been reached. He said the peace march aimed to show that Cambodia sincerely wants peace and that Buddhism flourishes only when the nation is at peace.

“This march is also to show the international community that Cambodians – both monks and laypeople – desire peace,” he said. “We urge the world to help mediate this issue so Cambodia can enjoy full peace and development.Cambodia is currently facing serious violations from a neighbouring country, which has detained our soldiers without release. We call for their return and for negotiations through peaceful means.”