History records prove Khnar Temple’s Khmer roots

Sum Map, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, shows archaeological records of Khnar Temple, built during the reign of King Jayavarman IV in the late 10th century. TVK

Synopsis: Phnom Penh condemns the Thai occupation of the disputed border monument, citing official heritage inventories and centuries of archaeological records as proof of Cambodian sovereignty over the site.

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has asserted that Khnar Temple is an ancient Khmer monument belonging to Cambodia, citing historical records, architectural evidence and its inclusion in the national heritage inventory.

Ministry spokesman Sum Map said Khnar Temple was part of the Angkorian-era Khmer civilisation, which established religious sites across the empire and along the Dangrek Mountains.

His comments follow reports that Thailand has registered Khnar Temple as a domestic cultural heritage site amid a Thai military occupation.

“Ancient monuments can be found throughout the Khmer Empire,” Map said. “Present-day Cambodia is the direct continuation of that glorious Angkorian civilisation, inheriting its language, culture and civilisation.”

Map said the temple in Oddar Meanchey province was constructed in the late 10th century during the reign of King Jayavarman IV, reflecting the Koh Ker architectural style. The Hindu temple is listed in Cambodia’s National Heritage Inventory under code MCFA 22110 1160.

While much of the temple has deteriorated, structural foundations, enclosure walls and two ancient reservoirs remain. Map noted that local communities have traditionally used the site for worship and that provincial culture officials conduct regular maintenance and archaeological surveys.

He highlighted a Cambodian-funded conservation project in 2017 that built a 325-metre wooden staircase to facilitate site access.

“Unfortunately, part of that wooden staircase was reportedly burnt by Thai soldiers, destroying the upper section,” Map said.

Map said Khnar Temple only became a focus of attention in Thailand after recent border disputes.

“When the border clashes occurred, there was a movement encouraging the Thai military to seize the temple. As a result, the temple is now under the control of the Thai military through the use of force,” he said.

Cambodia has repeatedly protested the Thai occupation and activities, including religious ceremonies and visits by government officials, at the site. Thailand also reportedly plans to introduce ticket sales and build infrastructure at the temple and has asserted its claim over Khnar Temple and other border sites, including Ta Krabei and Ta Moan, by listing them under its Ancient Monuments Act.

In June, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts condemned the destruction of the wooden staircase, calling it a serious attack on cultural heritage that undermines years of conservation work.

The ministry stated that the incident appears to be an attempt to alter facts on the ground, create a fait accompli, and erase material evidence of Cambodia’s administration and stewardship of the temple landscape.

-Khmer Times-