Cambodia and Thailand Border Dispute

As I write this, the news of the ongoing tensions between Cambodia and Thailand has been flooding both social media and mainstream platforms. Families from different countries have been messaging us, asking about our current situation in Phnom Penh. Friends from the Philippines and relatives abroad are genuinely concerned. We’re thankful for their love and care. So let me begin by saying: Praise God! we are doing well. Life in the capital continues as usual, and so far, Phnom Penh remains calm and safe.

But I won’t pretend everything is okay everywhere. What is happening along the Cambodian-Thai border is real, and it is heartbreaking. The southern provinces are deeply affected. Borders and trades have been closed for more than a month now, and people who have built their entire lives in that area are being displaced. Some friends had to shut down their businesses temporarily because their supplies raw materials, ingredients, basic products come from Thailand. The impact is widespread.

We saw on the news how young children and the elderly were forced to leave their homes, with no clear direction or place to go. It’s not just a headline it’s their life. Many of these families have known nothing else but that corner of Cambodia. Now, they are uncertain of what comes next.

The news yesterday shook many of us: "Thailand Opened Fire Cambodia had No Choice but to Defend Itself." It spoke of rising military tensions, especially near the Ta Mone Thom Temple. According to senior Cambodian officials, Cambodian soldiers were simply defending the nation’s sovereignty after Thai troops fired first. Embassies have begun issuing precautionary messages. The Christian community has also risen to the occasion, mobilizing prayer and support, and calling on God to bring peace and unity to our region.

As a family, we’ve felt the weight of it. Just last night, we gathered in our bedroom and lifted everything to the Lord. It was our son David’s turn to pray. With his eyes closed and hands clasped, he said something that made my heart ache in both sadness and hope: "Lord, I know You are the only One who could stop this war. Cambodia and Thailand might not even have the capacity to do this. I pray You bring peace, so Dad won’t need to go to the border. I’m scared a bit. So please help us Cambodians to understand them. Keep us safe and sound. Make the Buddhists believe in the One true God. In Jesus’ name. Amen." Vandy needed to assure our son that Dad is a pastor, he definitely doesn't need to carry any guns or weapons with him - he can't hurt anybody, but we have weapons in us and that is our prayer and faith in God. He is our protector and our defender!

How can one hold back tears at such honesty? Children know how to speak truth in its simplest form. David’s words reminded me of what I read this morning: Psalm 33.

Psalm 33 is a chapter of praise. It lifts up who God is His power, His goodness, His justice, His faithfulness, and His deep love for His people. One verse especially stood out to me:

"He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." (Psalm 33:5)

This is our anchor. God doesn’t just support or appreciate righteousness and justice He loves them. He is consistent in this love. Even when the world feels unstable, even when borders are closing and fear creeps in, His heart remains unchanged. He is not shaken. He is not confused. He knows exactly what is happening, and He is not absent from it.

It can be hard to feel God’s presence in times like this. War and tension are loud. Fear is loud. But God’s love? It is steady. It is quiet yet powerful. The psalmist reminds us that though there is evil in this world, the earth is also full of His unfailing love.

That love shows up when families gather in prayer. It shows up when the Christian community lifts up united cries for peace. It shows up in the hearts of children who ask God to keep their fathers safe. That love is here.

In response to the rising tensions, our university has also decided to join a national blood donation campaign, initiated by the First Lady. It’s aimed at increasing the Red Cross's reserve blood supply for Khmer soldiers stationed at the border. It’s a small step, but it’s a step of solidarity, compassion, and peace. We may not hold power to change foreign policy or military decisions, but we can give what we have. We can give blood. We can give prayer. We can give hope.

Psalm 33 doesn’t promise that everything will always be peaceful or perfect. What it offers is far more enduring: the reminder that God is our help and our shield. That our hearts can rejoice in Him even when the world around us trembles. That we can trust in His holy name. That His love surrounds us. That our hope is in Him alone.

"We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in You alone."

(Psalm 33:20-22)

As a mom, wife, and follower of Christ living in Cambodia, I find so much comfort in these verses. And I want to share that comfort with you, wherever you are reading this from. Whether you’re a parent worried about your child’s safety, a business owner affected by border closures, or someone simply feeling overwhelmed by global conflict, know that God’s love surrounds you.

Let’s be people who promote peace. In a time when nations are quick to blame, when fingers are pointed, and tempers flare, let us be the ones who point to God. Who speak words of hope. Who choose to trust rather than fear. Who act in compassion rather than retaliation.

Here are some simple things we can do, whether we live near the conflict or far away:

1. Pray specifically for peace. Don’t just say general prayers. Call out the nations. Ask God to touch the hearts of leaders in both Cambodia and Thailand. Ask Him to send wisdom, humility, and restraint.

2. Talk to your children about it. Share the truth in a way that they can understand. Let them pray. Their prayers matter. God listens to every word, even (and especially) the ones from small hearts.

3. Encourage others to trust in God. Remind friends and family that no matter what the news says, God is still good. He still loves justice. He still reigns.

4. Support local efforts. Whether it’s through giving blood, helping displaced families, or supporting businesses affected by the situation, do something. Our actions speak just as loudly as our prayers.

5. Meditate on Scripture. Let Psalm 33 be your source of peace this week. Read it slowly. Read it aloud. Read it with your family. Let it soak into your soul.

To my fellow believers, let’s not lose heart. The darkness is real, but it does not win. God’s love is more real. It fills the earth. It fills the places of conflict. It fills the spaces in our hearts where fear tries to creep in.

To those who don’t yet know Jesus, I want to gently say this: Peace doesn’t come from governments. It doesn’t come from the news. It doesn’t even come from the absence of war. True peace comes from knowing the One who created you. The One who knows the end from the beginning. The One who loves justice and righteousness and has promised to surround you with His unfailing love.

Maybe this is your moment to turn to Him.

God is not distant. He is near. And He is good.

Let us, together, hope in the Lord.

Let us be still and know that He is God.

Let us cling to Psalm 33, not just as a passage of praise, but as a path to peace in troubled times.

Reflection Questions for Families and Faith Groups:

1. What part of Psalm 33 encourages you most right now?

2. How can your family or church be a source of peace in your community this week?

3. What fears are you holding today that you can surrender to God?

4. Have you asked your children what they’re feeling about the news lately? How can you support them spiritually?

Let’s Pray Together:

"Father God, we lift up our hearts to You today. We ask for peace in Cambodia and Thailand. 

We ask that You protect the innocent, guide the leaders, and calm the fearful. Thank You for loving righteousness and justice. Thank You for surrounding us with Your steadfast love. May we be people of hope, not fear. People of prayer, not panic. Our hope is in You alone. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Let peace begin with us. Let our hearts rejoice in Him. Let us trust in His holy name.

Serving in Cambodia,

The Hourngs 🙏💙