From Washington to New York: Cambodian Community Urges Global Action as Civilian Toll Rises

WASHINGTON / NEW YORK (Dec. 21, 2025) — Thousands of Cambodians staged peaceful demonstrations across the United States on Sunday, from Washington, D.C., to New York City, calling for urgent international intervention as the civilian toll from renewed fighting along the Cambodia–Thailand border continues to climb.

Protesters carried placards reading “Cambodia Needs Peace” and “Thailand Committed War Crimes.” Outside the White House, chants of “Justice for Cambodia” echoed as demonstrators accused Thailand of violating Cambodia’s sovereignty and escalating civilian suffering.

“Right now, Cambodian civilians and soldiers are suffering. Nearly half a million people have been forced to flee, escaping shells and war caused by Thailand’s attacks on Cambodian territory,” one protester said.

Speakers urged unity among Cambodians abroad, calling on the diaspora to set aside political and personal differences in what they described as a national humanitarian crisis. “Even though we live outside the country, no matter which community or background we come from, we must stand together in solidarity as Khmer,” another speaker said.

Demonstrators appealed to the United Nations for immediate intervention and pressed the U.S. government — including President Donald Trump — to take a stronger role in pushing for de-escalation and accountability, particularly over alleged strikes on civilian populations.

In New York City, Cambodian community members, joined by Buddhist monks, marched to UN headquarters to deliver a formal petition demanding urgent action.

The overseas protests coincided with worsening conditions inside Cambodia. The Ministry of National Defence reported fresh attacks on civilian areas and temple sites across Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey and Pursat provinces, including strikes near populated and culturally significant locations.

According to the Ministry of Interior, at least 19 civilians have been killed and 79 injured since Dec. 7. More than 525,000 people — including nearly 170,000 children — have been displaced, many sheltering in temporary camps facing shortages of food, water and other basic necessities.