Kep, Cambodia — July 26, 2025. As border hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand escalate, youth from Salesian centers in both nations have launched a spiritual initiative rooted in ancestral values and interfaith solidarity. In a moment marked by artillery fire and diplomatic strain, their message is clear: peace must prevail.

The recent clashes — the most severe in over a decade — erupted near the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple, a sacred site revered by both nations. The conflict, which began on July 24, has claimed some lives and displaced thousand of civilians on both sides. Cambodia has called for an immediate ceasefire and appealed to the United Nations for mediation, while Thailand has signaled openness to direct talks.

Yet amid the turmoil, a quiet resistance is taking shape — not through arms, but through prayer. Young people from Don Bosco centers in Cambodia and Thailand have come together in meditation, invoking the teachings of Buddhism and Christianity to foster understanding and compassion.

“We call upon every man and woman, every child and elder of kind heart, to rise above conflict and choose the path of humbleness, wisdom, and dialogue,” reads a joint statement from the Salesian youth.

The initiative, titled Meditation for Peace with Don Bosco Our Common Father, emphasizes the shared spiritual heritage of both countries. Buddhism, practiced widely across Cambodia and Thailand, teaches nonviolence and mindfulness. Christianity, through the Salesian tradition, calls for reconciliation and service to the marginalized. Together, these faiths offer a moral compass in a time of uncertainty.

Salesian centers have also urged youth to refrain from spreading misinformation or inflammatory content online, warning against a “digital dirty war.” Instead, they promote messages of love, tolerance, and courage — values that transcend borders.

On the ground, the humanitarian impact is growing. Hundreds of families have been evacuated from border regions, and international crossings remain closed, disrupting daily life and trade. Cambodian students with relatives in affected areas have received support from Salesian communities, who pledge to ensure their safety and well-being.

The conflict, rooted in historical disputes over temple sovereignty and colonial-era borders, has reignited nationalist rhetoric on both sides. Yet the youth-led movement offers a counter-narrative — one of unity, ancestral wisdom, and spiritual resilience.

“Peace does not demand silence; it demands courage,” the statement concludes. “Let our shared history and faith be a bridge — not a barrier.”

As diplomatic efforts continue, the voices of young Cambodians and Thais remind the world that peace begins not in conference halls, but in the hearts of those who dare to imagine it.

 May peace begin within us and flow outward to heal our nations.