Phnom Penh, July 26, 2025 — Cambodia has strongly condemned the recent military attack by Thailand on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Preah Vihear Temple, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and stressing the importance of preserving the historic site.

In a statement issued yesterday, the National Authority for Preah Vihear expressed outrage over the artillery shelling and air strikes carried out by Thai forces on July 24 and 25, which caused significant damage to the temple and its surrounding area. The authority described the attack as a clear violation of the 1954 Hague Convention, which protects cultural heritage during armed conflicts.

The statement highlighted that the use of F-16 fighter jets and artillery shells represented grave breaches of international agreements designed to safeguard cultural and religious monuments. The assault came amid ongoing tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbors that have historically disputed the border region where the temple is located.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has called on Thailand to cease military operations and pursue diplomatic avenues to resolve the dispute peacefully. The nation reaffirmed its commitment to the preservation of Preah Vihear, a site listed by UNESCO for its cultural significance, and urged the international community to support ongoing efforts to protect the monument.

Cambodia is a member of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Enhancement of Preah Vihear Temple (ICC-PV), established by UNESCO in 2014. The committee includes representatives from China, India, Belgium, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. These nations share responsibility for ensuring the site’s protection amid ongoing conflicts.

The authorities also expressed regret that despite Cambodia’s efforts to adhere to international laws and conventions, recent actions by Thailand demonstrate a disregard for such protocols. They emphasized that any further damage to Preah Vihear would be a loss for the cultural heritage of the entire region.

The statement concluded with Cambodia’s call for Thailand to halt military activities and pursue peaceful dialogue, reaffirming Cambodia’s dedication to safeguarding the site for future generations. The government urged the global community to support these efforts and prevent further destruction of this historic monument.