‘Walk for Peace': Cambodians March After Border Clash Kills 55, Demanding Ceasefire

Cambodians have held a massive peace rally in the capital, Phnom Penh, calling for peace amid an ongoing border conflict with Thailand. Thousands of people took part in the rally on 18 December 2025 and urged both sides to respect a ceasefire agreement to end the fighting. The conflict, which began on December 7 and has killed at least 55 people from both countries, has raged for 12 days.

Peace March

The event, titled “March for Peace: Together for Peace,” was organized by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC). Students, monks, government employees, artists and civil society representatives participated in it.

The march started from the Night Market area and proceeded along the banks of the Tonlé Sap River. It then ended at the Independence Monument.

Casualties in the Conflict

According to official data, 21 Thai soldiers and 16 civilians were killed in the conflict. On the other hand, the Cambodian Ministry of Interior reported that 18 civilians were killed and at least 78 injured in the country.

As a result, anxiety and anger are growing among the people of both countries. Therefore, the tendency to take to the streets to demand peace has become stronger.

Leadership Message

Leading the rally, UYFC chief Hun Many said that everyone is witnessing the terrible consequences of the war. He also said that this is the second major border conflict in seven months.

Therefore, ordinary people are now deeply understanding the importance of peace. According to him, this march is a clear message from the people in favor of peace and dialogue.

International Concern

Meanwhile, UN human rights chief Volker Turk expressed deep concern about the situation. He said that the news of warplanes, drones and shelling around villages and cultural sites is very worrying.

He also reminded that the protection of civilians and infrastructure is very important under international humanitarian law.

Agreement and Stalemate

It is worth noting that a peace agreement was signed between the two countries in Kuala Lumpur last October. However, the agreement was suspended after a Thai soldier was injured in a landmine explosion on the border. The conflict continues, although US President Donald Trump has agreed to a ceasefire.

Reaction on Social Media

The peace rally has generated mixed reactions on social media. Some have expressed their interest in peace on behalf of Thailand and called for a quick ceasefire.

Others believe that the conflict is further uniting the Cambodian people.

However, some users have expressed concerns that the rally alone is not enough without a diplomatic solution. At the same time, some have also called for strengthening military capabilities.