AKP Phnom Penh, August 15, 2025 -- Cambodia’s First Lady, Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet, has called for a permanent ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, expressing her belief that both nations can stand together not only to restore peace but also to foster solidarity—so that smiles may return without fear.

She made the appeal while receiving the “Smile Asia Philanthropic Visionary Award” from Smile Asia, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to healthcare promotion, particularly public health, population welfare, and child welfare. The award was presented during the Smile Asia Charity Gala 2025, held at the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel on Aug. 14.

“We want to see the smiles of children, not their tears. We want to see people building their future, not fleeing their homes. We want peace, not war,” she underlined.

Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony stressed that Cambodians and Thais alike share the same vision for the future and can choose unity over conflict.

“Let us stand together and choose the path that brings hope instead of war, unity instead of division. Let us prove to the world that lasting peace is not just a dream for Cambodia—it is our commitment, our choice, and our legacy.”

The First Lady reaffirmed that Cambodia has always stood for peace, hoping that the border confrontation can be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law—rejecting the use of military force, pain, and destruction witnessed recently.

She noted that the mission of Smile Asia is to restore confidence, dignity, and hope to children and families who have long awaited the chance to smile. But, she said, this joy was overshadowed when the region awoke to the “dark shadow” of armed conflict on July 24, followed by a fragile ceasefire on July 28.

Dr. Pich Chanmony concluded by expressing her wish for the dispute to be settled at the negotiating table, not on the battlefield, so that no deep scars are left on beloved Cambodia.

By L Vy