Expert: Thai Destruction of Preah Vihear Temple Damages Franco-Cambodian Shared Heritage

Historian Dr. Son Samnang has stated that the destruction of Preah Vihear Temple by Thailand has not only caused pain to Cambodia but also to France, as the temple stands as a testament to their shared success against Thailand historically. In a Facebook post on August 4, 2026, Dr. Son Samnang highlighted the profound historical significance of the relationship between the two countries, referencing the French President's recent meeting with the Cambodian Prime Minister where he stated, "France and Cambodia have a deep history that continues to be strengthened in the fields of energy, health, and heritage." He also noted the upcoming joint heritage commemoration events in Cambodia in November 2026. Dr. Son Samnang recalled the history of the Preah Vihear Temple case, stating that the legal victory in 1962 transformed the temple into a Franco-Cambodian shared heritage from that point onward. "Thailand's destruction of Preah Vihear Temple in 2025 has destroyed: 1. The Franco-Cambodian shared heritage since 1962. 2. The World Heritage since 2008," Dr. Son Samnang wrote. Dr. Son Samnang also recalled that during the Preah Vihear Temple case from 1959 to 1962, besides providing crucial documents for Cambodia's victory, France also provided two of its prominent lawyers, Mr. Roger Pinto and Mr. Paul Reuter. Furthermore, the French Embassy in The Hague at the time also allowed Cambodian representatives to reside there. Cambodia is set to host the 20th Summit of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) from November 15 to 16, 2026. Alongside the summit, significant related events such as the "Francophonie Village" and "Francotech" will also be held. The Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) is a community of French-speaking people and a political organization established in 1970, comprising 90 member states. The first Summit of La Francophonie was held from February 17 to 19, 1986, in France, primarily in Paris and at the Palace of Versailles. Article by Hun Sirivaddhan.