Japanese newspaper NIKKEI Asia reports: Destruction of Cambodia’s Preah Vihear Temple leaves deeper scars along border


Phnom Penh: The world is focusing renewed attention on the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after the renowned Japanese newspaper NIKKEI Asia published a horrifying picture of the rubble left by artillery and war along the Cambodian-Thai border in 2025. In the first visit by an international media team since a ceasefire was agreed on December 27, the once-strong and beautiful temple was now a pile of rubble and scarred by the explosions of Thai military artillery in almost every corner.


According to a report by NIKKEI Asia on February 13, 2026, His Excellency Pheng Sam Oeun, Deputy Director-General of the Preah Vihear National Authority, confirmed the dangerous condition of the temple: “The temple structure is currently very weak and could collapse at any time.”  NIKKEI Asia reported that the number of blasts has increased sharply from 147 in July 2025 to more than 400 after the December attack, making conservation work even more dangerous.


According to officials from the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC), the team found 105mm, 120mm artillery shells and even unexploded cluster bombs scattered along the ancient stone paths in the temple complex. “Since the situation is still unclear, when we want to destroy the unexploded ordnance, we need to inform the Thai side in advance,” said Ean Sothea, head of the Preah Vihear provincial mine action response team, to avoid misunderstandings that could lead to a resurgence of the fighting.


NIKKEI Asia reported that the Indian-funded conservation laboratory and restoration project at the 5th Gopura were completely destroyed by fire and shelling from the Thai army.  His Excellency Pheng Sam Oeun described with regret that although the "Shivaraj" statue survived on the roof of the temple, the surrounding art sculptures were crushed like powder, which he emphasized: "Some places have become dust, they are completely damaged, we can no longer do conservation work." 


NIKKEI Asia reported that despite the ceasefire being implemented for more than seven weeks, the situation in the conflict zone remains uncertain as the Thai side continues to build a road near the northern steps of the temple. In the meantime, the Thai military has defended its illegal actions by accusing Cambodia of deploying troops in the temple area, but Cambodian conservation officials have denied this and claimed that Cambodian soldiers have always paid respect to the sacred site. 


According to Andy Brouwer, a British citizen who is a deep lover of culture, he expressed interest in seeing additional photos and videos that show severe damage to the porches, door carvings and walls of the temple, some of which may never be repaired.  Andy Brouwe said that reports from temple officials showed that the number of damaged sites had risen to 420 in the December attack, a massive loss of cultural property.


Cambodian heritage experts who visited the site expressed their deep sorrow and said: “We took a risk, what can we do in return? Our hearts are filled with love for our heritage, and we are brave enough to go up and collect information on the damage to document the most urgent needs at the most vulnerable sites, which are in danger of collapsing.”


A report by NIKKEI Asia analyzed that the conflict has left “deeper scars” in relations between the two neighbors, who have a history of conflict over sovereignty over the temple since the 1950s. Although the ICJ ruled in Cambodia’s favor in 1962 and reaffirmed it in 2013, the use of military force to attack a world heritage site has become a bitter lesson for the international community.


 Currently, authorities and CMAC continue to clear unexploded ordnance to ensure the safety of conservation experts and archaeologists before proceeding to a detailed damage assessment for restoration. While repairs cannot begin immediately, there is close monitoring by international organizations regarding the safety and security of the heritage site.


Reported by: The Khmer Today