Phnom Penh Governor Requests UNESCO Report on Preah Vihear Temple Damage

Phnom Penh Governor Khou Vong Sreng has requested Mr. Flavio Bonetti, the UNESCO representative in Cambodia, to report to UNESCO headquarters on the severe damage to Preah Vihear Temple caused by shelling from the invading Thai military. This request aims to protect the temple and to inform the world about the Thai military's invasion of Cambodian territory. Governor Khou Vong Sreng stated that during the invasion by the Thai military in July 2025, temples along the border, such as Ta Krabey Temple and Preah Vihear Temple, were heavily damaged by shelling. He particularly noted the severe damage to Preah Vihear Temple, a World Heritage site. While recounting this, Governor Khou Vong Sreng shed tears of sorrow over the destruction of Cambodian temples, including Ta Krabey Temple, Ta Moan Temple, and Preah Vihear Temple, as well as the damage to residents' homes and infrastructure. The governor further emphasized that Preah Vihear Temple is not only a heritage for Cambodia but also a heritage for all of humanity. "As a request from the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, we ask the UNESCO representative in Cambodia to report to UNESCO about the destruction of Preah Vihear Temple by shelling from the Thai military invading Cambodian territory," he said. He added that while history recounts the Siamese (Thai) army using elephants to destroy Preah Vihear Temple in the past, it was not something directly witnessed. However, on July 25, 2025, Cambodian citizens clearly witnessed the inhumane actions of the Thai military, directly destroying Preah Vihear Temple. Governor Khou Vong Sreng stated that Cambodia has endured all kinds of wars, but has never been as deeply hurt as when the Thai military invaded Cambodian land and destroyed humanity's heritage. In response, Mr. Flavio Bonetti stated that in March of the previous year, he and his team visited Preah Vihear Temple, where they had their team assess the impact on the temple structure and study restoration plans to mobilize aid for its repair. He also noted that the organization is concerned not only with maintaining and restoring the temple but also with ensuring the well-being of displaced citizens, their dignified living conditions, and their swift return to their homes. Mr. Flavio Bonetti continued by saying that UNESCO is fulfilling its mission within the framework of international law and will continue to work actively to support Cambodia in preserving its heritage. He acknowledged that Phnom Penh and the Kingdom of Cambodia possess abundant heritage, and UNESCO will provide support according to its plans and budget. Source: CEN Cambodia