Manet Marks 18th Anniversary of Preah Vihear UNESCO Listing, Shares Regret Over Damage

Prime Minister Hun Manet has expressed deep regret over the damage inflicted upon the Preah Vihear Temple during last year's military confrontations with Thailand, on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In a message commemorating July 7, Prime Minister Manet emphasized that despite Cambodia's persistent efforts to seek peaceful resolutions with Thailand through international legal frameworks and existing bilateral mechanisms, the armed clashes in 2025 caused significant damage to several cultural heritage sites, most notably Preah Vihear. He stated that 562 locations within the temple sustained severe damage, erasing nearly 20 years of conservation and restoration efforts. He described the loss as monumental, not only for Cambodia but for the heritage of all humanity. The Royal Government, he noted, is implementing urgent measures, working closely with UNESCO, the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Preah Vihear (ICC-Preah Vihear), and all national and international partners to evaluate the damage and implement conservation measures. He also mentioned that requests have been made for international experts to inspect and assess the damage. Current efforts include clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) and cluster bomb remnants, reinforcing temple structures to prevent further collapse, and collecting and preserving scattered stone carvings. Prime Minister Manet affirmed that the government continues to prioritize the conservation and restoration of the temple, aiming to transform this pain into a further symbol of solidarity and strength for the Khmer people. The Prime Minister conveyed his deepest gratitude to the heroic bravery of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and all others who sacrificed their lives and blood in defense of the nation's border. He also highly commended and valued the international experts, officials, and skilled workers of the National Authority for Preah Vihear for their tireless and timely response in saving the temple, even while facing threats to their safety. Prime Minister Manet reaffirmed his government's commitment to protecting Cambodia's territorial integrity and ensuring that the Preah Vihear World Heritage site and other temples along the border are preserved for future generations. He called for the spirit of Preah Vihear Temple to remain forever in the hearts of every Khmer citizen, urging them to transform this pain into a dedicated effort for self-development to build a strong and resilient national society.