Cambodia has revealed extensive destruction at the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, following months of cross-border fighting with Thai forces in 2025.

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts published detailed assessments on 12 January, warning that repeated artillery and aerial strikes in July and December left the ancient complex and surrounding communities in ruins. Officials appealed to UNESCO and the wider international community for urgent support, citing the need for emergency conservation and restoration to prevent further deterioration.

According to the ministry, clashes from 24–28 July damaged 142 locations within the temple grounds and 42 sites nearby, including the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara pagoda and conservation offices. The violence also struck 60 community sites—homes, schools, and pagodas—forcing nearly 15,000 residents to flee.

The December fighting proved even more devastating. Evidence gathered on 28 December shows that nearly all major structures, from Gopura I through Gopura V, along with causeways and the northern staircase, sustained heavy damage from shelling and drone strikes. Conservation projects supported by the United States, India, and China were also disrupted, halting restoration work across the site.

The ministry’s reports, backed by video documentation and clearance records from the Cambodian Mine Action Center, have been submitted to UNESCO, the World Heritage Committee, and ICC–Preah Vihear member states. Officials stressed that the destruction violates international law, including the Hague Convention and its protocols, which require states to safeguard cultural heritage during armed conflict.

Preah Vihear, perched dramatically on the Cambodian-Thai border, was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2008. Its intricate carvings and monumental staircases have long been a source of national pride and regional tension.

Cambodia says documentation and research into the damage will continue, alongside diplomatic and legal efforts to secure accountability. For now, the temple stands scarred, its future dependent on swift international action to preserve one of Southeast Asia’s most treasured monuments.

-2026-01-13

Have the US & Chinese confirmed this? Thailand saying not us when shelling occurs just blame Cambodia & vice versa - someone telling porkie pies - wonder which side?

49 minutes ago, phil2407 said:

someone telling porkie pies - wonder which side?

Or both.