Battambang – “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, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, a region affected by the presence of refugees following the armed conflict on the border between Thailand and Cambodia in 2015, told Fides. The two countries signed an armed truce in December 2025 and are currently in a state of diplomatic stalemate, regulated by a ceasefire. Large-scale fighting has stopped, but the borders remain closed and political tensions continue to be very high.
Bishop Figaredo, who is also president of Caritas Cambodia, is constantly striving to visit and encourage thousands of people displaced by the conflict. His presence in places and situations marked by hardship seeks to bear witness to closeness and solidarity, with material aid, but also to express God’s love for the most vulnerable.
The Apostolic Prefect of Battambang has visited displaced families in recent days, bringing solidarity and comfort. Among them was a Christian family from Battambang who recently moved to temporary housing provided by the government in the Svay Chek district of Banteay Meanchey province, after their home was attacked and subsequently occupied by Thai soldiers. The bishop recounts: “I prayed with them, we read the Word of God, and I blessed their new home. 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.” Moreover, Bishop Figaredo hopes for the reopening of all border crossings, which were previously used by thousands of Cambodians and Thais for work. “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 states. “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 adds. “Growing nationalism in both countries has exacerbated the situation, using historical claims to garner domestic support,” he explains. The issue is not merely territorial. In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of Cambodian sovereignty over the Preah Vihear temple, but the surrounding area, approximately 4.6 square kilometers, remains in dispute. “In addition to territorial issues, the situation also involves politics and emotions,” he remarks. Factors such as “national sovereignty, governance, and historical legacies, as well as emotional aspects like nationalism, pride, and the delicate history between the two countries,” come into play. “In this situation,” the Prefect observes, “the role of civil society and the media is important, as they can help reduce, or unfortunately, increase, tensions between the two countries.” Therefore, “we urge a collective effort to minimize inflammatory rhetoric and focus on de-escalating the situation.” “The negativity surrounding the conflict,” he notes, “has been fueled by disinformation and exaggerated media narratives. It is urgent to break the cycle of mutual provocations and promote a new approach based on respect, reconciliation, and peace. Everyone must and can do their part, on both sides of the border.”
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