Destroyed Temple from Thai Invasion to Become Museum to Preserve Cambodian War Memory

The Wat Prasat Ta Moon Sen Chei pagoda, located in Kok Mon village, Banteay Ampil district, Oudor Meanchey province, has been severely damaged by attacks and bombings from the invading Thai army. The pagoda will be preserved in its damaged state without repair, serving as a museum to imprint the memory of the Thai invasion war and its brutality on the Cambodian people. This was revealed by Mr. Khem Deum, Deputy Governor of Banteay Ampil district, to reporters last week. Deputy Governor Khem Deum stated, "We will not build a new Dharma assembly hall at the original site of Wat Prasat Ta Moon Sen Chei. The damaged Dharma assembly hall will be preserved as evidence, allowing citizens to witness the brutality of Thai soldiers destroying sacred places, especially pagodas. It is unforgivable that the Thai side, while also Buddhist, commits such atrocities." According to Mr. Khem Deum, three pagodas in Banteay Ampil district suffered severe damage from the Thai army's attacks: Wat Ta Moon Sen, Wat Kiry Rangsey Thom Doon, and Wat Chub Kokey Kroat. He expressed deep regret over the destruction of pagodas by the Thai army, a nation that also practices Buddhism. Wat Prasat Ta Moon Sen Chei has been subjected to large-scale attacks since the first round of conflict in July 2025. The Thai side used fighter jets for bombing, drones for dropping bombs, and artillery fire, destroying Buddha statues, the Dharma assembly hall, and other pagoda structures. Furthermore, one monk lost his life in these attacks. During the second round of conflict in December, the invading Thai military continued to attack the pagoda with drone-dropped bombs and shelling, exacerbating the damage. Mr. Khem Deum also pointed out that the two rounds of invasion by Thailand in 2025 left at least 7,000 unexploded ordnance (UXO) scattered across Banteay Ampil district, including cluster bombs and large-caliber artillery shells. These pose a threat to the safety of residents and hinder agricultural activities, a critical issue as about 90 percent of the district's population relies on farming. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local