Information Minister: Ancient Inscriptions' Curse Warns Sanctuary Destroyers of Hell

Information Minister Net Pheaktra has invoked an ancient Khmer inscription warning that those who destroy sacred sites will be sent to hell, a message directed at those who desecrate such places. The minister specifically referenced the Thai military's invasion of Cambodia and the destruction of Preah Vihear Temple and other ancestral sacred sites. According to Net Pheaktra, this warning is found in ancient Khmer inscription K.381, studied and compiled by Dr. George Cœdès in his book 'Inscriptions du Cambodge, Tome VI.' The inscription states: "Those who destroy this sacred place will go to hell, while those who strive to preserve it will ascend to heaven." Centuries have passed, yet the ancestors' warning seems to echo from the temple stones. For the ancient Khmer people, temples were not mere piles of stones but sacred places, repositories of faith, works of civilization, and heritage for future generations. Therefore, those who diligently preserve these sites were blessed to go to "heaven," while those who destroyed them were warned of going to "hell." This ancient curse gains even greater significance in our era. Centuries later, Khmer temples, built by ancestors with faith, wisdom, and art, have become targets of bombardment and destruction during modern invasion wars by the Thai military. Preah Vihear Temple, a World Heritage site, also suffered damage from armed invasion activities by the Thai military on Cambodian territory in 2025. A joint advisory mission report by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre–ICOMOS recorded data from the Preah Vihear National Authority, stating that attacks in July 2025 caused damage to 142 locations within the temple complex, and attacks in December caused further damage to 420 locations. This means that in both instances of the Thai military's invasion, Preah Vihear Temple recorded a total of 562 damaged locations. This evidence is further strengthened by technical surveys conducted by CMAC. CMAC discovered a total of 501 bomb craters caused by aerial bombs, artillery, and drones. Of these, 78 craters were recorded from the July clashes and 423 craters from the December 2025 clashes. The bombardment of temples is not merely the destruction of stones; it is a wound inflicted upon history, faith, civilization, and the heritage that humanity has preserved for centuries. New stones can be replaced, and broken structures can be repaired. However, no one can recreate the original stones that have passed through nearly a thousand years of history to be as they once were. This is why the ancient Khmer ancestors issued such a grave warning to those who destroy sacred sites. Ancient people called it merit and sin. Modern people call it heritage protection and responsibility towards history. Words may change, but the meaning does not. Weapons can shatter temple stones, but they cannot destroy the memory of history. Builders are remembered. Preservers are respected. As for those who destroy temples, the ancient Khmer ancestors have already left their warning: "Those who destroy this sacred place will be sent to hell."