Phnom Penh Governor Requests UNESCO Report on Preah Vihear Temple Damage

Phnom Penh Governor Kuong Sreng has requested the UNESCO Representative to Cambodia to report to UNESCO headquarters on the severe damage to Preah Vihear Temple, which was heavily damaged by shelling from invading Thai troops in July 2025. This request was made during a courtesy meeting with Mr. Flavio Bonetti, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia, at the Phnom Penh City Hall on the afternoon of August 4, 2026. Governor Kuong Sreng stated that during the invasion of Cambodian territory by Thai troops in July 2025, Thai forces dropped bombs, destroying temples along the border, such as Ta Krabey and Preah Vihear. Preah Vihear Temple, a World Heritage site, suffered the most severe damage. The bombing also caused destruction to residents' homes, infrastructure, and Khmer temples like Ta Krabey, Ta Moan, and Preah Vihear. He further emphasized that Preah Vihear Temple is not only a heritage property for Cambodia but a global heritage for humanity. Therefore, on behalf of the Phnom Penh administration, he requested the UNESCO Representative to Cambodia to report to UNESCO on the destruction of Preah Vihear Temple caused by shelling from invading Thai troops. Historically, Siamese soldiers are said to have used elephants to destroy Preah Vihear Temple, but this was not fully believed until the direct evidence seen by Cambodian people on July 25, 2025, when Thai soldiers directly destroyed the temple. Cambodia has endured all kinds of wars, but the pain from the invasion by Thai troops and the destruction of humanity's heritage has never been so profound. Mr. Flavio Bonetti said that in March of this year, he and his team visited Preah Vihear Temple and had the team assess the impact on the temple structure and study repair projects to mobilize aid for its restoration. He added that UNESCO is not only concerned with maintaining and repairing the temple but also with ensuring the health and decent living conditions of displaced citizens and their swift return to their homes. Mr. Bonetti continued that UNESCO is fulfilling its mission within the framework of international law and will continue to actively support Cambodia in preserving its heritage. He noted that Phnom Penh, as well as the Kingdom of Cambodia, possesses abundant heritage assets, and UNESCO will proceed according to its plans and budget. Information Source: AKP Khmer