Phnom Penh, July 27 – The Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, has issued a strong condemnation of Thailand’s recent military aggression that resulted in significant damage to the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of immense historical and cultural value.
According to an official statement released on July 25, the Thai armed forces launched coordinated attacks involving both artillery shelling and aerial bombardment on July 24. These strikes directly impacted the ancient Preah Vihear Temple complex, located atop the Dangrek Mountains near the Cambodian–Thai border. The ministry described the destruction as “severe” and warned that the damage inflicted poses a direct threat to a site recognized globally for its outstanding universal value.
“The attacks have caused serious destruction to the sacred site, which holds profound cultural, historical, and spiritual importance for the Cambodian people,” the statement read.
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts further denounced the Thai military’s actions as blatant violations of international law and cultural protection agreements. It cited three key international conventions that Thailand is a signatory to:
- The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict,
- The 1999 Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention, and
- The 1972 UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
“As a State Party to these conventions, Thailand is legally obligated to respect, protect, and preserve cultural heritage, and to refrain from any military use, attack, or other actions that could endanger heritage sites,” the ministry emphasized.
In its official stance, Cambodia also reminded the international community that intentional targeting and destruction of cultural property may constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law. The statement underscored that such acts not only violate international obligations but also undermine efforts to safeguard humanity’s shared cultural heritage.
Preah Vihear Temple, an iconic symbol of Khmer architecture dating back to the 11th century, sits at the heart of longstanding territorial sensitivities between the two nations. The temple, perched 525 meters above sea level, is not only a religious and historical site but also a point of national pride for Cambodians.
In response to the destruction, the ministry announced plans to:
- Conduct a comprehensive damage assessment,
- Collect forensic and visual evidence in line with international standards,
- Pursue legal action for reparations through appropriate global legal forums.
Furthermore, Cambodia vowed to enhance collaboration with both domestic and international heritage protection bodies to implement urgent safeguarding measures under the 1999 Second Protocol.
“The Royal Government remains firmly committed to preserving Cambodia’s cultural legacy, even in the face of military threats,” the ministry affirmed.
This latest development adds tension to an already strained relationship between the two neighbors, and it is expected that the international community, particularly UNESCO and the Hague-based legal institutions, will closely monitor Cambodia’s efforts for accountability and justice.
