Cambodia – 31 December 2025. The liberation of the eighteen Cambodian soldiers detained for 155 days by the Thai army has been received as a gesture of peace and trust between the two nations. Their safe return to Cambodia, just before the New Year, is more than a political act—it is a sign of reconciliation and a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect life and dignity.

A call for peace and justice

This moment invites both Cambodia and Thailand to reaffirm their commitment to peace, justice, and living together. It reminds us that children, rural and Indigenous peoples, and elders must always be protected and respected. These communities are the heart of our nations, and their safety and well‑being must never be sacrificed to conflict or division.

Anchored in ancestral lands

Cambodia and Thailand are built upon ancestral lands, rich in culture and tradition. Their duty is to care for peace and mutual understanding, offering an example to others in the region and beyond. In times when hate speech and fake news can easily inflame tensions, humility and truth must guide our steps.

A New Year of love and progress

As the year closes, this liberation becomes a symbol of hope for a New Year full of love, great projects for humanity, and progress for peoples. Don Bosco Cambodia joins the call to anchor our future in solidarity, dialogue, and respect for the dignity of every person.

May this gesture of peace inspire leaders and communities to walk together, to heal wounds, and to build bridges of trust—so that the generations to come may inherit a world where peace is not only possible, but lived.