Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts: issued the following statement:

Cambodia rejects Thailand’s repeated allegations and protests unauthorized activities at Cambodia’s cultural heritage sites

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of the Kingdom of Cambodia strongly and unequivocally rejects the continued allegations by the Thai military authorities that Cambodia has used ancient temple sites for military purposes. These baseless allegations distort the facts, mislead the public, mislead public opinion, and divert attention from the destruction and damage that the Thai armed forces have caused to Cambodia’s cultural heritage.

Cambodia reiterates that ancient temples and archaeological sites are sites of cultural and historical importance, as well as places for religious worship, conservation, research, education, and tourism, and are not military bases. As a State Party to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1972 Convention, Cambodia remains firmly committed to protecting its cultural heritage in accordance with international law.

At the same time, Cambodia strongly protests the presence of Thai military forces and the unilateral actions taken by Thai authorities at Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Krabey Temple, and Knar Temple, as well as other Cambodian archaeological sites along the Cambodian-Thai border without Cambodian permission. These actions include mine clearance activities, construction of infrastructure and electricity networks, repair and rehabilitation projects, and other activities affecting these sites. Such actions raise serious concerns about the lack of respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and may hinder the peaceful resolution of the outstanding border issues.

Cambodia also recalls the severe damage inflicted on Preah Vihear Temple and other cultural heritage sites in Cambodia during the armed conflict in July and December 2025. The destruction of cultural heritage of inestimable and irreplaceable value, which is clearly documented, highlights the urgent need for continued restraint, accountability for the actions of those responsible for destruction, and full respect for international conventions relating to the protection of cultural heritage.

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts calls on the Thai authorities to stop these baseless allegations, stop all unilateral actions at Cambodian cultural heritage sites, respect Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolve the remaining issues through peaceful means and established bilateral mechanisms, in particular the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Committee (JBC). Cambodia reiterates its demand for the return of the artifacts removed from the Khnar Temple and transported to Thailand.

These temples must be protected and not used as political tools. They are all temples in need of conservation, not for exploitation. They are also temples that should be respected and not for unilateral actions or confrontation by military forces. Cambodia remains committed to protecting its cultural heritage for future generations and calls on all parties to respect international law and fulfill their obligations to protect cultural heritage.

October 22, 2026