When conflict erupted between Cambodia and Thailand in December, members of the Central Valley’s Cambodian American community felt the effects acutely. Vunmara Kong, a nurse in Modesto, said many people she spoke with were unaware of the renewed fighting. In response, Kong launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised nearly $3,500 in three weeks to help displaced Cambodian families. She has coordinated with an American content creator based in Cambodia to distribute funds directly to those affected by the conflict. That content creator’s own fundraising page has collected almost $59,000 for medical supplies destined for refugees and frontline military units.
“I think the community here just wants to feel like we’re being heard. We want people to stay informed about what’s going on,” Kong said.
Although a ceasefire was reached at the end of December, uncertainty remains among Cambodian Americans as they look for ways to support loved ones abroad. The recent violence comes as last year marked 50 years since the start of the Cambodian Genocide under Khmer Rouge rule—a period during which between 1.5 million and 2 million Cambodians were killed—bringing back painful memories for many.
Stockton is home to one of the largest Cambodian refugee populations in the country, and Modesto also has a significant Cambodian community presence.
“My thoughts are with those who are now suffering considering the current conflict in their homeland. War is horrific for everyone. I am grateful for the current ceasefire and hope it continues,” said Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen in a statement.
The border dispute escalated into five days of clashes in July over contested territory along the Cambodia-Thailand border, resulting in dozens of deaths among civilians and military personnel and forcing tens of thousands from their homes on both sides. A ceasefire mediated by Malaysia—with encouragement from U.S. officials including then-President Donald Trump—halted hostilities temporarily before fighting resumed later that year. Another agreement was signed on December 27.
The roots of this territorial disagreement trace back to a map drawn up during French colonial rule over Cambodia in 1907; Thailand disputes its accuracy. The International Court of Justice awarded sovereignty over disputed areas—including Preah Vihear temple—to Cambodia in 1962, reaffirming this decision again in 2013. Previous armed clashes have occurred intermittently since at least 2008.
Kong shared that her parents fled toward the Thai-Cambodian border during genocide-era violence before resettling as refugees in California after time spent living in camps overseas—a story echoed by others within local organizations.
Sophy Reese leads United Cambodian American Network and was born after her family escaped to refugee camps before moving first to North Carolina and then Stockton when she was three years old. She noted that rural Central Valley life attracted many Cambodians because it resembled conditions back home.
“This new conflict that’s here now, it’s really stirring up a lot of emotions for people because people are just starting to heal and open up about what happened 50 years ago. And now there’s something else,” Reese said.
Donovin Ly heads Khmer Harmony & Heritage at Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple in Stockton; his family also survived genocide-era displacement. He described how relatives near today’s disputed border were forced out last fall but remain uneasy despite peace agreements: “He had to go all the way back that six-hour bus ride back to his hometown, all by himself,” Ly recounted regarding a friend called back from seeking refuge.
Vickie In from Khmer Aid Foundation helped organize a peace rally locally last month; similar events have taken place nationwide with another scheduled outside California’s Capitol on January 11th.
Reese emphasized outreach: “Our ultimate goal is just to make sure that we obviously raise awareness to help raise funds so that we can help people back home.” Ly encouraged even non-donors simply learning about or sharing information regarding ongoing tensions: “If people cannot donate…I also appreciate them taking time…to learn more about what is happening between two countries.”
In advised against boycotting Thai products and called instead for peaceful solutions: “I think it’s important, the more people know about our story, the more we can find ways to help make a bigger impact,” she said.
