Cambodia leads diplomatic delegation to inspect damage at Preah Vihear Temple

Senate Second Vice-President Thun Vathana leads a Cambodian delegation, including ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, to inspect the situation and review reported damage at Preah Vihear Temple. Senate of Cambodia

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Senate Second Vice-President Thun Vathana led a delegation of ambassadors and international representatives yesterday to inspect structural damage at the historic Preah Vihear Temple.

The group included the European Union Ambassador, the Ambassador of Timor-Leste, and senior diplomats from China, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Laos. During the visit, officials from the provincial administration, the National Authority for Preah Vihear, and the Cambodian Mine Action Centre provided detailed briefings on the site’s condition.

Technical reports presented to the diplomats revealed that the temple has suffered significant wear, with more than 560 points of damage identified across the complex. Experts warned that the ancient structure requires urgent conservation to prevent further deterioration.

Speaking at the site, Vathana emphasised that Cambodia remains committed to resolving border issues with Thailand peacefully. He said the kingdom seeks to address these matters through international legal frameworks and the United Nations to ensure long-term stability.

“Preah Vihear Temple should not suffer, because it is not the exclusive property of any country. It is a heritage of humanity for all nations to visit and protect together,” he said, expressing confidence that Cambodia, Thailand, and the international community will cooperate closely to restore the temple and promote lasting peace and prosperity, particularly for communities living along the border.

To address the site’s needs, Vathana called on the international community to support two new initiatives: a “Temple Restoration Fund” to repair the hundreds of damaged sections, and a “Border Economic Recovery Fund.” The latter would focus on improving the livelihoods and economic resilience of communities living along the shared border.

The diplomatic visit underscores Cambodia’s commitment to transforming border areas into zones of peace and cooperation, while ensuring that Preah Vihear Temple remains a treasured heritage of humanity for generations to come.