A Catholic bishop in Cambodia has appealed for peace and reconciliation along the Thailand-Cambodia border, warning that rising nationalism, hate speech, and disinformation are worsening tensions months after a ceasefire halted armed clashes between the two countries.
“We must not give in to indifference or hatred. It is necessary to explore peaceful solutions to resolve the conflict on the border with Thailand and try to restore full harmony and stability,” Bishop Enrique Figaredo of Battambang told the Vatican’s Fides News Agency.
Thailand and Cambodia signed an armed truce in December 2025 after fighting along disputed border areas displaced thousands of civilians. While large-scale clashes have stopped, border crossings remain closed, and diplomatic relations remain strained.
Figaredo, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang and president of Caritas Cambodia, has been visiting displaced communities near the border in recent weeks, offering pastoral support and humanitarian aid.
Among those he visited was a displaced Christian family from Battambang that recently moved into temporary government housing in Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey province.
“I prayed with them, we read the Word of God, and I blessed their new home,” the bishop said. “This blessing was not only a wish for peace and well-being, but also a reminder that they remain under the constant and loving protection of the Lord.”
The bishop also called for the reopening of border crossings that had long allowed thousands of Cambodians and Thais to cross daily for work and trade.
“But to achieve this, it is necessary to rebuild trust and understanding based on mutual respect. We urge politicians to abandon hate speech and focus on ways to resolve the dispute,” he said.
“Both sides today could avoid dwelling on minor details or disagreements and instead look toward the greater good of their people: an end to the war and lasting peace,” he added.
Figaredo said rising nationalism in both countries has worsened the dispute, with historical claims increasingly used to strengthen domestic political support.
He said the conflict extends beyond territorial claims and is also shaped by political interests, questions of sovereignty and governance, historical grievances, and emotional factors such as nationalism, pride, and the fragile history between Thailand and Cambodia.
The bishop also warned about the role of media and public discourse in either easing or inflaming tensions.
“In this situation, the role of civil society and the media is important, as they can help reduce, or unfortunately, increase, tensions between the two countries,” he said.
“The negativity surrounding the conflict has been fueled by disinformation and exaggerated media narratives,” he added. “It is urgent to break the cycle of mutual provocations and promote a new approach based on respect, reconciliation, and peace.”
