Preah Vihear Restoration Could Take Decades After Thai Attacks, Costing Around $70 Million

PHNOM PENH, April 7, 2026 (KPT) – National Authority for Preah Vihear may need 20 to 30 years and around $70 million to fully restore the Preah Vihear Temple after damage caused by two Thai military attacks, including bombings that struck the UNESCO World Heritage site, officials said Monday.

Kong Putheara, director-general of the National Authority for Preah Vihear, told reporters that initial assessments by national and international experts show five to ten years will be required for the first phase of restoration to stabilize the temple, while long-term conservation could take decades.

He said the high costs and lengthy timeline are due to unexploded ordnance still present around the temple and the need to collect and reassemble scattered stone blocks using conservation techniques.

Putheara noted that before the recent attacks, Cambodia had already been working with partners including China and India on restoration projects. India has been repairing the temple’s fifth gopura, expected to take up to 10 years at a cost of $5.5 million, while China is responsible for gopuras one to three, requiring 18 to 20 years and $60 million. The United States previously funded repairs to the northern staircase with nearly $800,000 between 2018 and 2025.

He added that any compensation claims against Thailand would depend on legal proceedings and evidence, stressing that only a court ruling could determine responsibility.

UNESCO has dispatched experts to assess the damage and is preparing an emergency fund to support Cambodia’s initial restoration efforts.