Report Cambodia Condemns Thai Temple for Imitating Angkor Wat

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Cambodia’s Culture and Fine Arts Minister, Phoeurng Sackona, has criticised the construction of a temple in Thailand's Buri Ram province, alleging it replicates the historic Angkor Wat, a key part of Cambodia's cultural heritage.

 

During the 40th Technical Session of the ICC-Angkor in Siem Reap, Sackona accused the Siha Nakhon Temple, located in the Phu Man Fah Temple compound, of infringing on Cambodia’s cultural identity. She contended this act violates Thailand’s obligations under the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention.

 

This stance contradicts a 2023 declaration from Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture, which stated the Thai temple was not a replica of Angkor Wat. This conclusion was backed by a site inspection by Cambodian experts that found no imitations of the iconic structure.

 

The dispute arises amidst heightened tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, following a fatal incident in a disputed area of Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province on May 28.

 

The Buri Ram temple has been contentious since Cambodian netizens began asserting its similarity to Angkor Wat, urging their authorities to investigate.

 

The issue highlights ongoing cultural sensitivities between the neighbouring nations, underscoring the importance of dialogue in resolving heritage-related disputes.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-06-23