Cambodia rejects Thai claims over Preah Vihear temple

PHNOM PENH, Feb 27, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s foreign ministry has dismissed claims by Thailand’s top diplomat that the Temple of Preah Vihear has been used for military purposes.

In a statement, the ministry said the allegations, reported by Thai media, were “categorically rejected.” It stressed that the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sacred cultural and religious monument and has never been designated or used for military activity.

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

The ministry said the presence of Cambodian security personnel at the site is solely to protect the monument and safeguard sovereignty, not for military use.

It warned that portraying the temple as a military station “disregards established legal realities, undermines international judicial authority, and endangers regional peace.”

Cambodia reiterated its commitment to international law, heritage protection and peaceful dispute resolution, including cooperation within ASEAN and with the wider international community.

“The Temple of Preah Vihear is, and will remain, a monument of peace, culture and shared human heritage,” the ministry said.