Cambodia marks 18 years since Preah Vihear gained UNESCO World Heritage status

PREAH VIHEAR, July 6, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has commemorated the 18th anniversary of Preah Vihear Temple’s inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List with a ceremony underscoring conservation, restoration and the scars left by past conflict.

Organised by the Preah Vihear National Authority under the theme “Conservation, Destruction, and Restoration,” the event was presided over by Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona and attended by provincial leaders, UNESCO’s representative in Cambodia, diplomats from ICC member states, government officials, security forces, students and around 500 residents.

Officials recalled the temple’s inscription on July 7, 2008, and reflected on the damage caused during armed clashes in 2011, when 52 sites within the complex were hit and 16,000 people displaced. Homes, schools, pagodas and public infrastructure were also affected.

The National Authority outlined progress under its Emergency Action Plan, developed with UNESCO and ICC experts.

Measures include clearing unexploded ordnance, installing structural supports, collecting stone fragments, conducting 3D documentation and restoring ancient water systems.

The programme has received support from the Cambodian government, UNESCO, ALIPH and France.

Looking ahead, priorities include continuing restoration, rehabilitating forests and ecosystems, reviving tourism and improving local livelihoods.

Sackona reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage and territorial integrity in line with international law, while thanking UNESCO and partners for emergency assistance and technical support.

She appealed for continued cooperation to preserve Preah Vihear’s Outstanding Universal Value for future generations.