Cambodia refutes misleading representations in Thai media regarding recent diplomatic exchanges about the Preah Vihear Temple, as international experts confirm extensive damage to the UNESCO-listed site following armed incidents in 2025. The meeting focused on damage assessments, restoration efforts, and preventative measures.
Cambodia has refuted claims by Thai media that misrepresented recent diplomatic engagements concerning Preah Vihear Temple , a UNESCO World Heritage site. This response follows international experts' confirmation of significant and escalating damage to the temple, a consequence of armed incidents that occurred in 2025.
Som Map, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, clarified that a widely distributed image used by Thai media outlets did not depict any formal or substantial discussions between the two nations. The photograph in question showed a late-hour courtesy meeting between the Thai Consul-General and Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona. Map emphasized that the meeting was merely an introduction and did not include any discussions related to the Preah Vihear Temple matter. Furthermore, he noted that no official exchanges took place during the encounter. This clarification comes after Thailand publicly reiterated its dedication to cultural heritage protection during the 11th plenary session of the International Coordinating Committee for the Conservation and Enhancement of the Temple of Preah Vihear (ICC-Preah Vihear), which took place in Siem Reap on March 19. According to Map, the outcome of the ICC meeting illuminated a much more concerning reality on the ground, with international specialists who had conducted site visits expressing shock at the extent of the damage. \International specialists who assessed the Preah Vihear Temple expressed dismay at the extent of the destruction caused by armed conflict. The experts emphasized that the damage to the temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was unacceptable and underscored the need for urgent measures to restore and protect the site. The recent ICC meeting focused on these urgent measures, aiming to repair the damage and safeguard the temple from future attacks. Preliminary assessments presented at the ICC session revealed damage to at least 562 points following two separate incidents in July and December 2025. Following the meeting, Minister Phoeurng Sackona personally visited the site, finding the actual situation even more severe than initial reports suggested. A detailed evaluation is currently underway. Prior to the plenary session, international ad hoc experts undertook field missions to Preah Vihear and Koh Ker to assess conservation conditions and offer recommendations. A separate technical advisory mission by UNESCO and ICOMOS also evaluated the temple's state of conservation and is expected to submit its report to Cambodian authorities. The ICC mechanism will continue documenting the damage, utilizing modern technologies such as scanning techniques, to determine the full extent and nature of the destruction. Urgent measures, including mobilizing technical and financial support for immediate repairs and clearing unexploded ordnance, are already underway. Comprehensive risk assessments for the site and surrounding areas are also being prepared. The ICC-Preah Vihear mechanism is also exploring strategies to prevent further attacks, while Cambodia continues to pursue both technical and legal measures. \The ICC session, co-chaired by China and India, brought together representatives from member states including Belgium, France, Japan, Thailand, and the US, along with international experts and institutions. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Cambodia in safeguarding the site for future generations. The meeting outlined several emergency measures. These measures include the clearance of unexploded ordnance to ensure the safety of conservation efforts, the preparation of a comprehensive risk assessment for the temple and its surrounding areas, and the systematic documentation of damaged structures and artifacts. While the Thai delegation highlighted the significance of dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international frameworks such as the 1972 World Heritage Convention, Cambodian officials emphasized the need for accountability and strengthened protection measures following the recent damage. The Preah Vihear Temple, situated on the Cambodia–Thailand border, holds significant cultural importance and has been a source of past tensions. Cambodian authorities reiterated that under international conventions, all parties are obligated to protect cultural property and refrain from targeting heritage sites under any circumstances. This incident highlights the need for international cooperation to protect cultural heritage sites during times of conflict and to ensure accountability for any damage inflicted
Preah Vihear Temple Cambodia Thailand UNESCO Cultural Heritage Damage Assessment ICC-Preah Vihear
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