Preah Vihear, July 26, 2025 — Forty-five employees of the National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV), including laborers, tourism agents, environmental workers, and security personnel, were safely rescued after being trapped on Preah Vihear Temple mountain due to an attack by Thai armed forces on July 24.
According to a press release issued by the NAPV, the staff were conducting their daily work when the area came under heavy artillery and F-16 aircraft bombing beginning at 9:00 a.m. on July 24.
The NAPV coordinated the safe descent of all 45 staff members beginning at 10:00 p.m. on July 25. They descended the mountain along the Ta Dy Cliff to Samdech Techo Eco Village, before boarding a vehicle provided by the NAPV. The personnel arrived safely at the NAPV headquarters in Koh Ker Temple at 6:00 a.m. on July 26, after being trapped on the mountain for 45 hours.
The NAPV leaders and officials expressed their deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, relevant institutions, and the Preah Vihear provincial authority for their support in the rescue process. They extended special thanks for the attention given to the well-being of the staff from the moment they were trapped until their safe rescue.
