Cultural Minister: Preah Vihear Temple Damage “Far Worse” Than Official Figures

PHNOM PENH, March 23, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoung Sakuna, has warned that damage to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Preah Vihear Temple is far greater than official figures suggest, following armed clashes last year.

During an inspection earlier this week, Phoung Sakuna said hundreds of additional damaged locations were observed on-site, surpassing the 562 cases reported by the National Authority for Preah Vihear. Official records had cited 142 damaged sites in July 2025 and another 420 in December 2025.

“All countries have a responsibility to protect cultural heritage,” she said, invoking the 1972 World Heritage Convention and the 1954 Hague Convention on safeguarding cultural property during armed conflict.

Damage spans areas from Khop Borak 1 to Khop Borak 5, including the Indian cooperative project at Khop Borak 5 and the north stairway renovation funded by the U.S. Embassy. Other affected sites include Wat Kaev Sek Kiri Svara.

Phoung Sakuna described the destruction as “shocking” and “deeply concerning,” urging stronger measures to protect Cambodia’s heritage.

On March 22, international experts under the ICC–Preah Vihear framework called for emergency stabilization measures.

They identified high-risk sections damaged by shelling, including the stretch from Peuy Ta Di to the Naga Bridge near the fifth gateway, as well as damage to the ticket office at the mountain’s base.

The ICC co-chairs and member states reaffirmed support for Cambodia’s safeguarding efforts and pledged continued conservation once conditions allow, while also reviewing ongoing restoration at the Koh Ker temple complex.