Regarding Thailand’s Accusations Concerning the Cambodia-Thailand Border Issue September 16, 2026
Regarding Thailand’s Accusations Concerning the Cambodia-Thailand Border Issue September 16, 2026
Cambodia PR Team Responses
Regarding Thailand’s Accusations Concerning the Cambodia-Thailand Border Issue
September 16, 2026
Q1: Has Cambodia used ancient temples as military bases, as alleged by the Thai side?
A: Cambodia has clearly affirmed that no cultural heritage sites in Cambodia are military bases and that they have not been used as military sites. On the contrary, Cambodia has adhered to the protection and conservation of heritage in accordance with the 1954 Convention and the 1972 UNESCO Convention. Preah Vihear Temple and other heritage sites are utilized for conservation, research, education, religion, and tourism, consistent with Cambodia’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage.
Q2: What impacts have Preah Vihear Temple and certain Cambodian heritage sites within Cambodia’s sovereign territory suffered from Thailand’s actions?
A: According to confirmation from the Cambodian Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Preah Vihear Temple and other heritage sites have suffered destruction and damage from the Thai military’s brutal acts of aggression. Regarding Preah Vihear Temple, attacks by the Thai military in July and December 2025 caused extensive damage, affecting a total of 562 locations and reducing temple stones to more than 70,000 fragments, destroyed much of the results of more than 10 years of temple restoration work, and affected other public infrastructure. These damages have been inspected, assessed, documented, and verified by national and international experts.
Q3: What is Cambodia’s stance on Thailand’s actions in Cambodian heritage areas, and what does Cambodia demand from Thailand in this regard?
A: Cambodia firmly opposes and strongly condemns Thailand’s unilateral actions in Cambodian heritage areas, and demands that Thailand withdraw its military forces from these areas, return archaeological objects removed from K’nar Temple to Cambodia, and respect international laws, treaties, and conventions. The Thai side must cease the use of force and actions aimed at creating a fait accompli, and return to resolving issues peacefully through existing bilateral mechanisms, particularly the JBC mechanism.
