After conflict reignited between Cambodia and Thailand earlier this month, the Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, Cambodia highlights how the local community is using the Advent season to place their uncertain situation in God’s hands whilst the young people join in Pope Leo’s call for peace.
By Kielce Gussie
Violent clashes continue on both sides of the Thailand-Cambodia border. In the early hours of Saturday 13 December 2025, both sides reported ongoing bombing and artillery exchanges. At least 21 people have been killed and 700,000 evacuated on both sides since the fighting restarted in early December.
Fr. Enrique Figaredo Alvargonzález, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, Cambodia, described the situation as being “a moment of great tension”, recounting how “people are very afraid, and over 200,000 Cambodian refugees have been displaced.”
People rest at a temporary camp for displaced people set up at a former market in Banteay Meanchey province (AFP or licensors)
But, according to the Vatican’s Fides news agency, he noted that “Pope Leo’s call for peace, during the audience on December 10, has given us great comfort and hope.”
What’s going on?
The two countries have been marked by conflict for more than 100 years as sovereignty has been debated after France—which occupied Cambodia until 1953—originally drew the border in 1907.
The violence escalated in the summer this year after a Cambodian soldier was killed and both governments responded: Thailand with harsher border restrictions and Cambodia with a ban on Thai films and the import of Thai fruits, vegetables, gas and fuel.
Following a fragile peace deal brokered in October, tensions remained high and peace was replaced with violence on 7 December.
The latest clashes between the Southeast Asian neighbours, which stem from a long-running dispute over the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometre (500-mile) frontier, have displaced around half a million on both sides.
Fr. Figaredo described people’s concern and suffering as the local church offers comfort. Yet, he said people continue to ask the same question: Why the escalation has occurred? His argument is domestic politics. “Political dynamics are pushing the Thai military to seek, even through this war with an external enemy, a national glory that will restore unity to the country”, the Apostolic Prefect noted, “But even in Thailand, we see that the youth do not support this approach, and they are calling for peace.”
Christmas hope in the midst of great suffering
Fr. Figaredo recently made a visit to a refugee camp in the Banteay Meanchey province to bring humanitarian aid, moral, and spiritual support to the hundreds who have been displaced. He shared that the 800 people—women, elderly, the disabled, and children—at the camp expressed feeling abandoned and asked if the world knows of their suffering.
“For this reason, the Holy Father’s words are a sign of hope, as his appeal could be precious in the search for peace”, the Apostolic Prefect stressed. He highlighted that the local church in Cambodia is using this Advent season as a time to place their uncertain and insecure situation in God’s hands. They join in prayer in the midst of the suffering, which Fr. Figaredo said unites them “more in mutual communion and solidarity.”
Ahead of Jesus’ birth at Christmas, they remember that Christ came to give them peace and hope.
Conflict has a human face
With the escalation of violence on 7 December, the humanitarian impact has been huge: 13 civilians have been killed, 60 others injured, more than 190,000 people displaced from their homes. The provinces of Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, Battambang, and Pursat have all been bombed, targeted by drone-launched explosives, and faced airstrikes and tank assaults.
An armed Thai security forces personnel stands guard during clashes with Cambodian troops in Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province, Thailand (ANSA)
As a result, Caritas Cambodia has been working together with the local authorities to provide aid and support for the thousands impacted across six provinces. Executive Director of Caritas Cambodia Kim Rattana reported how the organization is providing “food, water, education, protection, and psychosocial support to 3,200 families.”
Additionally, they have built 20 new camps those who displaced in the Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, Oddor Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey provinces. Rattana explained how the camps offer “1,500 temporary shelters, food support, and sanitation services for 5,000 families, as well as psychosocial support and protection for children and adults.”
