Report Thailand Rebuts Cambodia's Claim: Temple Not Angkor Wat Replica

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

In a fiery exchange at UNESCO’s World Heritage session in Paris, Thailand has firmly denied Cambodia's accusation that a temple in Buri Ram province mimics the iconic Angkor Wat. The charge, presented during the 47th session, has been dismissed by Thailand as politically motivated.

 

Leading the Thai delegation, Sihasak Phuangketkeow expressed surprise and disappointment at Cambodia’s allegations concerning the Phu Man Fah Temple. He criticised the timing and platform, stating it was inappropriate to raise such issues at a UNESCO forum.

 

This diplomatic skirmish arises amidst simmering tensions over disputed territories between the two nations. Sihasak stressed that while Thailand initially avoided confrontation, it felt compelled to refute Cambodia's claims. He maintained that the temple is rooted in traditional Buddhist architecture, drawing from various ancient Thai influences, and not a replica of Angkor Wat.

 

Cambodia’s Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona, had earlier urged UNESCO to scrutinise the temple, asserting it jeopardised Angkor Temple’s authenticity. Speaking to UNESCO delegates, Phoeurng claimed, “the construction of a large-scale replica of the Angkor Temple in Buri Ram province, Thailand” posed a threat.

 

Sihasak, however, underscored Thailand’s commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with Cambodia. Both nations' leaders have previously agreed to form a joint working group to address such disagreements.

 

Following Thailand's defence, Cambodia attempted another intervention, yet it was blocked due to non-compliance with prior agreements with UNESCO's Bureau and World Heritage Centre. Meanwhile, Cambodia's behind-the-scenes lobbying efforts failed to gain traction, with no support from other member states. Consensus leaned towards resolving the issue bilaterally rather than on the international stage.

 

Adding complexity, Cambodia's own Ministry of Culture had, in 2023, issued a declaration affirming that the Thai temple was not an Angkor replica. This contradicts Phoeurng's recent claims. The Phnom Penh Post highlighted that ministry experts inspected the site, confirming no infringements had occurred.

 

As the debate unfolds, both countries face a diplomatic balancing act. While the matter involves heritage, it also reflects deeper regional dynamics. The continued dialogue offers a path towards resolution, avoiding escalation over cultural landmarks. For now, Thailand stands resolute, urging constructive engagement.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-07-11

 

 

[hotchilli]

Children....

[JimHuaHin]

This is not helping Thailand's already damaged international image.

 

What multi-billion Baht plans are TAT hatching to undo the damage?

[newbee2022]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS

 

In a fiery exchange at UNESCO’s World Heritage session in Paris, Thailand has firmly denied Cambodia's accusation that a temple in Buri Ram province mimics the iconic Angkor Wat. The charge, presented during the 47th session, has been dismissed by Thailand as politically motivated.

 

Leading the Thai delegation, Sihasak Phuangketkeow expressed surprise and disappointment at Cambodia’s allegations concerning the Phu Man Fah Temple. He criticised the timing and platform, stating it was inappropriate to raise such issues at a UNESCO forum.

 

This diplomatic skirmish arises amidst simmering tensions over disputed territories between the two nations. Sihasak stressed that while Thailand initially avoided confrontation, it felt compelled to refute Cambodia's claims. He maintained that the temple is rooted in traditional Buddhist architecture, drawing from various ancient Thai influences, and not a replica of Angkor Wat.

 

Cambodia’s Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona, had earlier urged UNESCO to scrutinise the temple, asserting it jeopardised Angkor Temple’s authenticity. Speaking to UNESCO delegates, Phoeurng claimed, “the construction of a large-scale replica of the Angkor Temple in Buri Ram province, Thailand” posed a threat.

 

Sihasak, however, underscored Thailand’s commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with Cambodia. Both nations' leaders have previously agreed to form a joint working group to address such disagreements.

 

Following Thailand's defence, Cambodia attempted another intervention, yet it was blocked due to non-compliance with prior agreements with UNESCO's Bureau and World Heritage Centre. Meanwhile, Cambodia's behind-the-scenes lobbying efforts failed to gain traction, with no support from other member states. Consensus leaned towards resolving the issue bilaterally rather than on the international stage.

 

Adding complexity, Cambodia's own Ministry of Culture had, in 2023, issued a declaration affirming that the Thai temple was not an Angkor replica. This contradicts Phoeurng's recent claims. The Phnom Penh Post highlighted that ministry experts inspected the site, confirming no infringements had occurred.

 

As the debate unfolds, both countries face a diplomatic balancing act. While the matter involves heritage, it also reflects deeper regional dynamics. The continued dialogue offers a path towards resolution, avoiding escalation over cultural landmarks. For now, Thailand stands resolute, urging constructive engagement.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS 2025-07-11

 

 

That's not the point.

According to international law it's a part of Cambodia.

I wonder why Thailand can't respect the law?

Afraid to lose face?

Wouldn't be the first time...🙏

[FlorC]

So what if it is an exact replica ?

Thailand can build whatever they want.

Look at all the replica's in Las Vegas and elsewhere.

 

asserting it jeopardised Angkor Temple’s authenticity

 

What bulls--t.

 

[englishoak]

Chinese are good at making copys & pretending they arnt too 

[CanadaSam]

The Thai gov't must realize that these childish knee-jerk reactions MUST stop.

 

They only exacerbate these ridiculous news items by bringing them into the spotlight, most of the world realizes that making a replica in their own territory is done all over the world, with nobody complaining. 

 

It is a sign of appreciation only.

 

Rules and laws brought in on a whim, then rescinded a few days or weeks later, NO gov't in the world does that (well, now trump has started this stupidity also).

 

THINK before you talk, or act, please, show some intelligence....

[ignore it]

UPDATE:

 

Ancient Cambodian King Suryavarman II awakens after 900 years and says in shocker he was actually Lao.

[norsurin]

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

That's not the point.

According to international law it's a part of Cambodia.

I wonder why Thailand can't respect the law?

Afraid to lose face?

Wouldn't be the first time...🙏

Thailand don't respect anyone then themselves.This is so ridiculous but they don't stop.

[ujayujay]

Off course it is! Just compare

[connda]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a fiery exchange at UNESCO’s World Heritage session in Paris, Thailand has firmly denied Cambodia's accusation that a temple in Buri Ram province mimics the iconic Angkor Wat.

So what if it did?  It's probably a temple built in the Khmer era. What's Thailand to do.  Tear down all Khmer era temples on Thai soil.  

[Burma Bill]

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

a temple in Buri Ram province mimics the iconic Angkor Wat.

 

Thailand's new LEGOLAND?

 

Like Angkor Wat in Malaysia's Legoland:-

 

[nitayagirl]

5 hours ago, connda said:

So what if it did?  It's probably a temple built in the Khmer era. What's Thailand to do.  Tear down all Khmer era temples on Thai soil.  

 

The temple in question, Wat Phu Manfa, is actually a newer temple. Construction started in 1998 and registration was in 2021. Details in this article: https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2025/07/11/thailand-denies-angkor-wat-copying-claims-at-unesco-meeting/

 

Nevertheless, Angkor Wat is way out of copyright.