(Phnom Penh): A senior official of Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said Thailand has caused damage to Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with other surrounding heritage areas including Ta Krabei Temple, Khnar Temple, Ta Moan Temple, and several other ancient sites along the border. These actions have been accompanied by attempts to seize control over Khmer ancient temples and heritage sites.

The remarks were made in a summary report on the progress of cultural and fine arts work in 2025 and the work plan for 2026, presented by Long Ponnasirivath, Secretary of State and Vice Chairman of the Ministry’s General Assembly Organizing Committee.

The senior official noted that heightened tensions have severely disrupted restoration, conservation, and cultural tourism, forcing the closure of Preah Vihear and other border temples to visitors and limiting preservation work.

He further reported that, in terms of cultural heritage, the ministry restored and conserved a total of 1,095 heritage structures or sections, of which 939 sites involved conservation beyond basic restoration. In addition, the ministry restored and conserved 5,061 antiquities, artworks, and ethnological objects, including 4,937 items preserved through non-restorative conservation measures. Overall, the ministry achieved positive results against monitoring and evaluation indicators in this sector.

Beyond these efforts, Cambodia also secured the repatriation of 1,158 Khmer antiquities repatriated from abroad, including 40 items from institutions and 1,118 items from private individuals, covering the period from January to 21 November 2025. Regarding archaeological site protection, the ministry measured and documented 18,530 sites, representing 96.57 per cent of the total. Of these, 3,162 sites have been officially registered, accounting for 16.47 per cent, while 657 sites, or 3.42 per cent, remain unmeasured.

Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeung Sackona underlined that Thailand’s failure to respect international law has made cooperation with Cambodia extremely difficult. She added that the installation of barbed wire and shipping containers on Cambodian sovereign territory constitutes a violation of international law.
=FRESH NEWS