Cambodia Appeals to UNESCO After Thai Strikes Kill Civilians, Damage World Heritage Sites

PARIS (Dec. 15, 2025) — Cambodia has formally appealed to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, condemning what it described as ongoing Thai military attacks that have killed civilians and damaged internationally protected cultural heritage sites, including the UNESCO listed Preah Vihear Temple.

In an appeal submitted by Cambodia’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, Phnom Penh accused Thai forces of violating its territorial integrity through sustained artillery shelling and aerial bombardments between Dec. 7 and Dec. 15. Cambodian authorities reported at least 15 civilian deaths, 73 injuries and the displacement of more than 400,000 people, most of them women and children.

The petition warned that Thai use of F 16 fighter jets and heavy weaponry in civilian areas has inflicted extensive damage on homes, pagodas, infrastructure and irreplaceable heritage. Preah Vihear Temple was reported severely damaged, while Ta Krabey Temple was described as completely destroyed.

On Dec. 15, Thai airstrikes reportedly hit multiple sites, including the ancient Spean Toub bridge in Oddar Meanchey Province, more than 70 kilometers from the border. Officials said at least 71 Angkor era archaeological sites in the district are now under threat.

Cambodia said the attacks violate humanitarian law and conventions protecting cultural heritage, including the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1972 World Heritage Convention. It urged all States Parties to condemn the strikes and press Thailand to halt military actions.

“The destruction of cultural heritage is not only a national tragedy but a loss to humanity as a whole,” the delegation said.