Cambodians and members of the international community came together in Phnom Penh on Thursday afternoon to take part in a peaceful march calling for calm, dialogue, and full respect for the ceasefire amid ongoing tensions along the Cambodia–Thailand border.
Organised by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), the march was held under the hot afternoon sun as a public expression of Cambodia’s long-standing commitment to peace. Participants walked a three-kilometre route starting from the city’s night market and ending at the Independence Monument, carrying messages that emphasised restraint, mutual respect, and the importance of preserving peace between the two neighbouring countries.
Organisers said the event aimed to encourage all parties to honour the peace declaration and to reinforce the shared desire of ordinary citizens for stability and coexistence. The march took place as fighting along the border entered its twelfth day on December 18, heightening concerns about the humanitarian and social impact of prolonged tensions.
A day earlier, on the evening of December 17, more than 4,000 runners gathered at Koh Pich (Diamond Island) to participate in RUN FOR OUR HEROES, a three-kilometre charity run held in solidarity with Cambodian frontliners and civilians affected by the border situation. The event brought together families, youth groups, athletes, and supporters from across Phnom Penh, creating a strong show of unity and support.
Both events reflected a growing public call for peace and stability, with participants stressing that dialogue and cooperation remain the only sustainable path forward for the region.
