1,250 Monks Lead Mass Prayer as Cambodia Seeks End to Border War

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 30, 2025) — In a powerful show of unity, 1,250 Buddhist monks and about 500 lay Buddhists gathered Sunday evening at Wat Botumvatey Rajavararam to pray for peace and the protection of civilians as Cambodia presses for an end to its border conflict with Thailand.

The ceremony, held at 6 p.m. Dec. 29, was presided over by Samdech Preah Puth Chey Mony Khim San, Third Deputy Supreme Patriarch of the Maha Nikaya Order, and attended by senior religious leaders, government officials and prominent guests including Pich Chanmony Hun Manet.

Organizers said the mass prayer was intended to demonstrate Khmer national unity and send a clear message to the international community that Cambodia seeks a peaceful resolution through nonviolent, humanitarian and lawful means.

Participants chanted prayers, undertook Buddhist precepts, practiced meditation, spread loving-kindness and dedicated merit to Cambodian soldiers killed defending national sovereignty.

The event also encouraged citizens to demand peace through Buddhist principles of compassion and nonviolence, reaffirming the public’s desire to see hostilities end swiftly in line with international law and humanitarian values.

The prayer gathering came as Cambodia implements a fragile ceasefire and continues diplomatic efforts to secure the safe return of displaced civilians.