Cambodia Calls for Greater Protection of World Heritage Sites Amid Border Tensions

SIEM REAP, June 11, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has urged stronger protection of national and World Heritage properties following recent border tensions, as international experts and partners met for the 42nd Technical Session of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Sites of Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk (ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk).

The two-day meeting, held June 9–10, gathered about 300 delegates from government, foreign embassies, international organisations and conservation experts to review preservation and sustainable development projects at Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk.

Culture Minister Phoeurng Sackona voiced concern over the impact of skirmishes along the Cambodia-Thailand border on heritage sites. She called for collective action to safeguard cultural assets, describing them as “invaluable assets shared by all humanity.”

Japan reaffirmed support for the Bayon Temple restoration with a US$900,000 contribution, while the United States pledged US$250,000 through the World Monuments Fund for work at Phnom Bakheng. France’s €12 million restoration of West Mebon Temple, underway since 2012, is due for completion in November and will be inaugurated during the Francophonie Summit in Siem Reap later this year.

Delegates also endorsed initiatives to strengthen human resource development, technical knowledge transfer, archaeological research and visitor infrastructure, including a hospitality centre and Angkor Interpretation Center. Progress was noted on legal frameworks for land use and construction management across 114 villages within Angkor’s heritage zones.

The session praised advances in a water management master plan for Angkor, a joint project between APSARA and French institutions, backed by about €1 million to preserve the site’s ancient hydraulic system.

Participants concluded by paying tribute to Chum Sopheakmakara, Deputy Director General of APSARA, who recently passed away, recognising his contributions to Angkor’s preservation.