Cambodia Denies Thai Allegations of Military Use of Heritage Sites, Stresses Cultural Preservation

The Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has reiterated its strong denial of allegations by Thai authorities regarding the use of Cambodian heritage sites for military purposes, labeling them as 'baseless accusations.' The ministry asserted that these claims, notably raised by Mr. Prapas Sonjaidee, Director of the Thai-Cambodian Information Center (JIC), and Mr. Phanombut Chantharachote, Director-General of the Thai Department of Fine Arts, are an 'intentional distortion of information and an evasion of responsibility.' In a statement released on September 15, 2026, the ministry emphasized Cambodia's unwavering commitment to protecting its rich cultural heritage, as a state party to the 1954 Convention and its Protocols, and the 1972 UNESCO Convention. It stated that all heritage sites across the country are prioritized for preservation, promotion, research, education, religious activities, tourism, and international cooperation. Cambodia, it stressed, is not a state that has ever destroyed cultural heritage, nor have any of its heritage sites been used as military bases. Conversely, Cambodia accused Thailand of having caused destruction and damage to several ancient temples and heritage sites within Cambodian sovereign territory through its aggressive actions. These include Preah Vihear Temple, Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Kwai Temple, and the Spean Trov (around 70 km from the Cambodia-Thailand border), along with other archaeological areas. The ministry reported that Thai authorities have illegally occupied heritage sites such as Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Kwai Temple, and Knaar Temple, attempting to alter the de facto situation (fait accompli) and create a false legal framework to claim ownership. Furthermore, it alleged that Thai authorities have illegally removed several artifacts from Cambodia's Knaar Temple. Cambodia unequivocally opposes all unilateral activities by Thailand at Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Kwai Temple, and Knaar Temple, including infrastructure construction, electricity grid development, tourism and religious events, and unauthorized repair projects. These actions, the ministry stated, are intended to reinforce illegal occupation of territory and are in direct violation of international law. Preah Vihear Temple, a World Heritage site and sacred place for the Khmer people, reportedly suffered severe damage from Thai military shelling in July and December 2025. According to the ministry, 562 locations were destroyed by heavy weapons, resulting in over 70,000 pieces of fragmented temple stones. The indiscriminate attacks by the Thai military have completely undone over a decade of restoration efforts by national and international institutions, destroyed public infrastructure, and displaced over 16,000 residents. Some have yet to return home due to security concerns. The damage to Preah Vihear Temple has been assessed, documented, and verified by national and international experts. Cambodia demands that Thailand withdraw its troops from heritage areas, particularly military forces stationed at Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Kwai Temple, and Knaar Temple. It also calls for the return of artifacts illegally removed from Knaar Temple to Thailand. Cambodia urges Thailand to respect international law and conventions, cease the use of force, and halt fait accompli activities aimed at permanent territorial occupation. It proposes resolving issues peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms, especially the Joint Border Committee (JBC). In conclusion, Cambodia firmly reiterates that all heritage sites are not and will not be used as military bases. The preservation of cultural heritage for future generations and humanity remains a top priority. The country strongly condemns the shelling and other destructive activities affecting ancient temples and cultural heritage sites as violations of international law and detrimental to heritage conservation efforts. Source: AKP Khmer