A total of 2,569 Buddhist monks joined a large-scale peace walk in Phnom Penh yesterday, urging respect for the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire, the release of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers, and the preservation of peace, security, and stability.
The march began at 3 pm on Sunday from Wat Phnom, proceeding along Preah Norodom Boulevard to the Independence Monument. Authorities temporarily closed roads to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.
Venerable Khim Sorn, chief of Phnom Penh municipal monks, said the number of participants matched the Buddhist Era year 2569, symbolising the age of Buddhism. Monks from major pagodas in the capital joined the event.
He outlined three main objectives:
- Call for a permanent ceasefire and peaceful borders between the two predominantly Buddhist nations;
- Urge Thai authorities to release the 18 detained Cambodian soldiers;
- Inspire Cambodians to safeguard peace and show the world the nation’s commitment to harmony.
Venerable Chhoeng Bunchhea, vice-president of the Cambodian Buddhist Monk Council, expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for mediating the ceasefire.
At the US Embassy, Venerable Yon Seng Yeath condemned recent border tensions and praised Trump’s leadership, stating that 70,000 Cambodian monks supported the Prime Minister’s nomination of Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng said Thailand had yet to return the detained soldiers despite the ceasefire. He stressed that the march aimed to show Cambodia’s sincerity in seeking peace and its desire for negotiations to resolve disputes.
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