Cambodia Rejects Thai Military Claims on Preah Vihear Temple Damage

Cambodia's Minister of Information, Net Pheaktra, has strongly refuted claims made by the Thai military regarding damage to Preah Vihear Temple. On September 20, the minister declared, "Accusations cannot erase damage, and explanations cannot substitute for evidence!" He emphasized that Thai military explanations alone cannot undo the actual damage inflicted on the temple. Preah Vihear Temple is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The official website of the World Heritage Centre also features a report from the WHC-ICOMOS mission in 2026 concerning this location. Minister Net Pheaktra further stated that the damage can be investigated, and Thai explanations cannot exempt them from accountability. This incident underscores the ongoing border issues between Cambodia and Thailand and the challenges in protecting cultural heritage sites. The region around Preah Vihear Temple has historically been a source of tension between the two nations. Cambodia's resolute stance in this instance signifies a strong assertion of its sovereignty and dedication to safeguarding its cultural heritage. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer