From Frontlines to Far Provinces: Cambodians Unite in Nationwide Prayers for Peace

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 30, 2025) — From war affected border areas to provinces untouched by fighting, Cambodians across the country gathered Tuesday in a nationwide show of unity, holding mass prayer and meditation ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers and civilians while calling for peace along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

Hundreds of Buddhist monks, lay Buddhists and civilians organized synchronized ceremonies in Preah Vihear, Battambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang and Mondulkiri, offering merit to Cambodian soldiers who died defending national sovereignty.

In Preah Vihear, one of the provinces hardest hit by the fighting, monks and residents gathered under the belief that war and violence are not solutions for peaceful coexistence but causes of loss and destruction for both nations.

In Battambang, monks and civilians assembled at Wat Pothi Veal to pray for peace and dedicate merit to fallen heroes. More than 1,000 monks and lay Buddhists in Kampong Cham — a province not directly affected by the conflict — gathered at Wat Khemvoan in Boeung Snay village, demonstrating solidarity with war affected communities.

Similar ceremonies were held in Kampong Chhnang, while nearly 300 monks and civilians in Mondulkiri gathered at Wat Sen Monorom to conduct prayers for peace.

Organizers said the nationwide prayer movement followed the Cambodia–Thailand ceasefire agreement signed Dec. 27, reflecting the public’s collective desire for stability and the swift end of hostilities through nonviolent, Buddhist principles.

As Cambodia enters a critical recovery phase, the mass gatherings underscored a united national call to protect civilian lives, preserve sovereignty and restore lasting peace.