CMAC Director Expresses Strong Hope for Justice and Accountability for Preah Vihear Temple Destruction

Heng Ratana, Director-General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), has expressed strong confidence that true justice will prevail for the destruction of Preah Vihear Temple, and that those responsible will be held accountable under international law. He also suggested that the curse of the Cambodian ancestors, who built the temple, would befall the perpetrators. On September 10, Heng Ratana posted on his Facebook account, stating, "The voice of justice for Preah Vihear Temple, the heritage of Cambodian ancestors and a human heritage, is gradually being revealed." This statement followed a UNESCO-ICOMOS report released on September 9, which assessed the severe destruction and damage to Preah Vihear Temple. Heng Ratana expressed his gratitude for the public release of this report, which he believes has informed the world about the Thai military's actions in destroying a world heritage site. According to CMAC's investigation, the Thai military used numerous types of bombs and artillery, including MK-82 bombs, 155mm artillery shells, and cluster bombs, with the aim of destroying Preah Vihear Temple. After the ceasefire, CMAC conducted an investigation and assessment of war remnants in the temple area, confirming that the Thai military had attacked 501 targets, causing over 560 instances of damage to the temple. Furthermore, CMAC concluded that these attacks were carried out with clear planning, tactics, coordination, and command and control, with the intention of destroying this precious and poignant world heritage site. The 104-page report by UNESCO is available on the World Heritage Centre's website. It includes numerous photographs illustrating the damage to various parts of the temple, showing impact marks on walls, fallen structural stones, and scattered debris. Some areas have been cordoned off for safety to identify and clear unexploded ordnance. The report assesses, "The scale of the severe damage caused by armed attacks in July and December 2025."