Cambodia says Thai forces must be held accountable for Preah Vihear temple destruction

PHNOM PENH, Jan 12, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodian authorities have condemned recent Thai military attacks on Preah Vihear Temple, calling the bombardment a serious act of destruction against a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Heng Ratana, Director General of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, described the strikes as “extremely brutal and barbaric” and said those responsible must face accountability. He made the remarks on Facebook after shelling incidents in late July and a 21 day conflict in December 2025.

“Preah Vihear Temple is a heritage of humanity and a sacred site of the world,” Ratana wrote. “It was subjected to bombardment and heavy shelling, brutally and savagely destroyed as a result of Thailand’s military actions.”

The Hindu temple, dedicated to Shiva and inscribed on the UNESCO list in 2008, has long been at the centre of territorial disputes between Cambodia and Thailand. Officials said the site has suffered repeated damage, including more than 550 artillery strikes between 2008 and 2011.

Cambodia’s defense ministry reported Thai forces used jets, drones, artillery and rocket launchers in December, while assessments showed extensive damage to major temple structures, causeways and conservation facilities.