Phnom Penh Governor Urges UNESCO Representative to Report Preah Vihear Temple Damage

Phnom Penh Governor Khuong Sreng has requested the UNESCO representative in Cambodia to report to UNESCO headquarters regarding the severe damage to Preah Vihear Temple. The governor claims the damage was caused by shelling from the Thai army during an invasion of Cambodian territory in July 2025. The request was made during a courtesy meeting with Mr. Flavio Bonetti, the UNESCO Representative to Cambodia, at the Phnom Penh City Hall on the afternoon of August 4, 2026. Governor Khuong Sreng stated that during the invasion by the Thai army, Thai forces dropped bombs on border temples such as Ta Krabey and Preah Vihear, causing extensive destruction. He noted that Preah Vihear Temple, a World Heritage site, suffered the most significant damage, and he became emotional while describing the devastation. He emphasized that Preah Vihear Temple is not just a heritage asset for Cambodia but for all of humanity. Therefore, he reiterated his plea for the UNESCO representative to report on the Thai army's invasion of Cambodian territory and the destruction of the temple. He also mentioned historical accounts of Siamese troops using elephants to damage the temple, but stressed that the recent events on July 25, 2025, were directly witnessed by Cambodian citizens as an inhumane act by the Thai army. Governor Khuong Sreng added that while Cambodia has endured various wars, it has never experienced such profound pain as it has from the Thai army's invasion and the destruction of a world heritage site. In response, Mr. Flavio Bonetti stated that he and his team visited Preah Vihear Temple in March, where a working group assessed the impact on the temple structure and studied restoration plans to mobilize funding for the repairs. He further explained that UNESCO's concerns extend beyond temple maintenance and restoration to ensuring the health of displaced citizens, their decent living conditions, and their prompt return to their homes. Mr. Bonetti concluded by affirming that UNESCO is actively fulfilling its mission within the framework of international law to support Cambodia in heritage preservation. He acknowledged that Phnom Penh and the Kingdom of Cambodia possess abundant heritage assets, and UNESCO's efforts will align with its plans and budget. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local