Cambodians Make Rice Cakes for Frontline Soldiers for Pchum Ben
By Thorng Broney Cambodianess Sunday, September 7, 2025
People of all ages gathered at Prasat Lolei Pagoda in Siem Reap on Sept. 7 with the goal of making 5,000 Num Ansom rice cakes for the frontline soldiers so they can also feel as taking part in the Pchum Ben celebrations while they guard the Thai-Cambodia border areas. Photo: Thorng Broney
SIEM REAP — People of all ages gathered at Prasat Lolei Pagoda in Siem Reap on Sept. 7 with the goal of making 5,000 Num Ansom rice cakes for the frontline soldiers so they can also feel as taking part in the Pchum Ben celebrations while they guard the Thai-Cambodia border areas.
Pchum Ben Day is the most important religious holiday in Cambodia. Held over 15 days, the celebrations include three days during which people make offerings to honor family members who have passed away and their long-ago ancestors.
This is one of the most important times of the year for families as they gather in their native cities or villages and attend religious celebrations at their ancestral pagodas. This is also a time when people make and share rice cakes at celebrations and family meals.
Ing Sen, who is one of the people who came to Prasat Lolei Pagoda to make cakes on Sept. 7, said that that he felt beyond happiness and excitement when he saw all these people gathering at the pagoda to help with the cakes.
“The soldiers will certainly be reminded of their families and the nation’s people when they eat the rice cakes,” the middle-aged man said.
This gathering is also a way to show these soldiers people’s appreciation and support as they fulfill their duty at the border during the conflict with Thailand, Sen said.
“This is communication between the soldiers and people, to pass on warmth to each other,” he said. “The foundation of a country’s strength is built on its strong soldiers and solidarity of the people.” Sen added that this is also to show soldiers that people are looking up to them.
“The foundation of a country’s strength is its strong soldiers and the solidarity of the people,” he added.
Armed confrontation between Cambodian and Thai militaries took place on July 24 through 28 along the border, forcing thousands of Cambodian civilians to flee for safety. Despite the ceasefire agreement reached on July 28, tension remains.
SOURCE: By Thorng Broney Cambodianess, Cambodia, Sunday, September 7, 2025
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