The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of has rejected renewed allegations by the Thai military that Cambodian forces used ancient temples, notably the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple, for military purposes during last year’s fighting.
In a statement released today, October 22, the ministry declared that unfounded claims “distort the facts, mislead the public and divert attention” from the damage inflicted upon Cambodian cultural heritage by Thai armed forces.
“Cambodia reaffirms that its ancient temples and archaeological sites are places of cultural and historical significance, religious worship, conservation, research, education and tourism, not military bases. As a State Party to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1972 World Heritage Convention, Cambodia remains firmly committed to protecting its cultural heritage in accordance with international law,” it said.
The ministry’s response followed claims by Thai army spokesperson Winthai Suvaree that Thai forces fired at Preah Vihear because the Cambodian military installed weapon to use against Thailand. He alleged that Cambodian’s action meant the temple “temporarily lose its legal protection”.
“The Thai Army wishes to reaffirm that Thailand strictly adheres to international law and the 1954 Hague Convention. However, the convention contains a clearly specified exception stating that if an ancient monument is used for military purposes, the area will ‘temporarily lose its legal protection’,” Suvaree said in a statement.
He went on to accuse Cambodia of using the as a shield, and did not try to prioritise its conservation.
The culture ministry categorically rejected the accusations.
It registered strong protests against the continued presence of Thai forces and the various unilateral activities undertaken by them at the Tamone Thom, Ta Krabei and Khnar Temples, as well as other Cambodian archaeological sites along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
The ministry noted that Thai forces have conducted demining operations, infrastructure and electricity-network development, restoration and construction projects, and other interventions affecting these sites, without the consent of Cambodian authorities.
“Such actions raise serious concerns regarding respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and risk prejudicing the peaceful resolution of outstanding border issues,” it said.
“Cambodia recalls the extensive damage inflicted upon the temple of Preah Vihear and other Cambodian cultural heritage sites during the clashes of July and December 2025. The documented destruction of irreplaceable cultural property underscores the urgent need for restraint, accountability and full respect for international conventions protecting cultural heritage,” it added.
The ministry called upon Thailand to resolve outstanding issues through peaceful means and established bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). It also reiterated calls for the return of archaeological objects that were removed from Khnar Temple and transported to Thailand.
“Cambodia’s ancient temples are an integral part of its national identity and the shared heritage of humanity. They must be protected, not politicised; preserved, not exploited; and respected, not subjected to unilateral actions or military confrontation,” it stated.