Preah Vihear, Cambodia, Mar 25: Three months after a ceasefire ended fierce border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, the 11th-century Preah Vihear temple—perched on a 525-metre cliff in the Dangrek Mountains—shows deep battle damage, threatening its survival.
Constructed by the Khmer Empire builders of Angkor Wat, this UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008 holds immense cultural value for Cambodians. Yet, last year’s two major conflicts have left structures battered, with officials warning of potential collapses.
Once a draw for visitors marveling at intricate carvings and panoramic views, the site now features stone rubble, artillery craters, and scorched earth. “The temple has turned quiet, and its beauty looks so sorrowful because of the tragedy,” said Hem Sinath, deputy director-general of the National Authority for Preah Vihear, to Associated Press.
Closed to tourists due to unstable walls and unexploded ordnance, the area is marked by mine warnings. Conservation teams and troops patrol, eyeing Thai soldiers across the border. Cambodia’s Culture Ministry reported damage at 142 sites in July and 420 more in December; all five gateway pavilions are hit, three nearly destroyed. A restored US-funded staircase also suffered heavy bombardment. “Experts predict some structures could collapse in the upcoming rainy season,” Hem Sinath added.
Information Minister Neth Pheaktra accused Thailand of targeting the temple based on false claims: “Preah Vihear belongs to all humankind. It is not an enemy of Thailand.” International law protects such sites, but Thailand alleges Cambodia militarized it with weapons, ammo, and surveillance—including a crane Thai forces struck as a command post. Thai spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree insisted fire hit only military targets. Cambodia denies using the temple militarily, claiming civilian oversight for protection. Each side blames the other for igniting July and December fights, displacing over 640,000—37,000 still homeless.
Known as Phra Viharn to Thais, the temple has sparked conflict since the 1950s. The International Court of Justice awarded it to Cambodia in 1962, reaffirmed in 2013. UNESCO status fueled tensions, sparking clashes in 2008 and 2011 amid Thai nationalism.
Revival poses challenges, with rainy season (May-October) looming. Past aid from India, China, and the US is paused amid fragile peace. “We have a plan… but it depends on the border situation,” Hem Sinath said. No independent damage assessments exist.
