Cambodia Denies Temple Military Base Allegations, Demands Thai Respect for International Law

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has reiterated its firm denial of allegations by Thai officials claiming that Cambodia uses ancient temples as military bases. The ministry considers these claims baseless and misleading to the public. In a statement, the ministry affirmed Cambodia's adherence to the 1954 Convention and its two Protocols, as well as UNESCO's 1972 Convention, and its unwavering commitment to protecting and preserving cultural heritage. It asserted that all cultural heritage sites across the country are prioritized for preservation, research, education, religious activities, tourism, and international cooperation, and that no Cambodian cultural heritage site is used as a military base. Conversely, the ministry claimed that Thai military activities in Cambodia have caused damage to several ancient temples and heritage sites within Cambodia's sovereign territory, including Preah Vihear Temple, Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Kwai Temple, the Spean Troup bridge, and other archaeological areas. Furthermore, it alleged that certain heritage sites, such as Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Kwai Temple, and Khnar Temple, are illegally occupied by Thai authorities, with some actions constituting attempts to alter the de facto situation on the ground and create a legal framework for their occupation. The ministry also opposed unilateral Thai activities in these temple areas, including infrastructure construction, installation of electrical networks, organization of tourism and religious events, and repair projects, all conducted without Cambodia's permission. Regarding Preah Vihear Temple, the ministry stated it suffered severe damage from Thai military shelling in July and December 2025, with 562 locations destroyed by heavy weapons, resulting in over 70,000 damaged stone fragments. This damage, it noted, has impacted the restoration and conservation efforts of Preah Vihear Temple, which national and international institutions have worked on for over a decade, as well as public infrastructure, forcing the evacuation of over 16,000 citizens from the heritage zone. Cambodia has demanded that the Thai side withdraw its armed forces from heritage areas, particularly Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Kwai Temple, and Khnar Temple, and return artifacts that Cambodia claims were removed from Khnar Temple. Cambodia also called on Thailand to respect international law, treaties, and conventions, and to cease the use of force and unilateral activities that could create new de facto situations along the border. The ministry reiterated that all of Cambodia's cultural heritage sites are not and will not be used as military bases, and that Cambodia will continue to prioritize the preservation and protection of its cultural heritage for future generations and humanity. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local