“From pain, we choose peace. From fear, we choose life. — Vann Da”

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 24, 2025) — Cambodia’s leading rapper Vann Da has issued an emotional appeal for peace, urging unity and humanity as the country faces escalating conflict with Thailand.

In a statement shared with fans and the public, Vann Da said Cambodian civilians are suffering the most from the violence, with children forced to flee instead of learning and families abandoning homes built with love.

“We are tired of hearing explosions louder than children’s dreams,” he said. “Cambodian people do not seek war. We seek peace.”

Vann Da invoked Cambodia’s painful history, recalling the genocide and years of rebuilding from ashes. He warned against returning to darkness and called on the international community to recognize Cambodia’s plea for safety and dignity.

To his fellow Cambodians, Vannda urged solidarity. “Stand together. Help one another. Samaky — unity — is the key,” he said. “We are a nation that survived the impossible. We will survive this with peace, not hatred.”

His message framed the conflict not only as a political crisis but as a cultural and humanitarian struggle, emphasizing that from pain, Cambodians choose peace; from fear, they choose life; and from darkness, they choose hope.

The Ministry of Interior said that since Dec. 7, a total of 607,980 people have fled their homes, including more than 318,000 women and nearly 192,000 children. Authorities reported 21 civilians killed and 83 injured, with numbers expected to rise as shelling and airstrikes continue.

Civilian infrastructure has suffered widespread damage across multiple provinces, including homes, schools, health centers, pagodas, bridges, markets, government buildings and even an ancient temple. Fresh overnight shelling from Dec. 23 to 24 damaged additional property in Battambang province.