Cambodian Teams Clear Explosives at Preah Vihear Temple After Thai Artillery Attacks

Preah Vihear, Cambodia, Mar. 5 (KPT) – Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) teams are continuing operations to remove explosive remnants in and around Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, following artillery strikes by Thai forces last year.

The temple, perched on the Dangrek mountain range in Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province, sustained heavy damage during two waves of bombardments in 2025.

According to the Ministry of Culture, the assaults between July 24–28 and December 7–27 hit the temple complex, conservation facilities and nearby communities.

In July, 142 sites within the temple and 42 in surrounding areas – including the Keo Sikha Kiri Svara Pagoda and conservation offices – were damaged. Homes, schools and public infrastructure were also struck, forcing nearly 15,000 residents to flee.

The December attacks inflicted further destruction on major temple structures, including Gopura I to V, connecting causeways and the northern staircase.

Earlier this week, Cambodia’s foreign and culture ministries dismissed claims by a senior Thai diplomat that the temple had been used for military purposes.

In a joint statement, the ministries said the allegations were “categorically rejected” and reaffirmed that the site is a sacred cultural and religious monument.

Cambodia cited obligations under the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1972 World Heritage Convention, stressing its commitment to preserve the temple for peaceful, cultural and religious purposes.

CMAC teams continue clearance work to ensure safety for visitors and local communities amid concerns over unexploded ordnance from past conflicts.