The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts issued a fierce condemnation of the military actions carried out by the armed forces of Thailand on July 24, highlighting the fact that the neighbouring Kingdom’s “precision” strikes have led to substantial damage to the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
“The attacks, involving both artillery shelling and aerial bombardment, have caused severe destruction to the sacred site, which holds immense cultural, historical and spiritual significance for the Cambodian people,” said the statement.
The ministry denounced these actions as direct violations of several key international conventions designed to protect cultural heritage in times of conflict.
They include the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1999 Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention, which strengthens protections for cultural heritage during wartime, as well as the 1972 UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
“As a state party to these conventions, Thailand is legally obligated to respect, protect and preserve cultural heritage, and refrain from any military use, attack or other actions that could endanger the outstanding universal value of heritage sites,” according to the culture ministry.
“Deliberate targeting and destruction of cultural property, as well as violations of international law, may constitute war crimes,” it warned.
Preah Vihear Temple, perched atop a 525-metre cliff in the Dangrek Mountains, is a prime example of Khmer architecture and regarded as a national treasure.
The temple was described as an enduring symbol of the nation’s history, attracting visitors and scholars from around the world.
The ministry has vowed to conduct a thorough damage assessment, collect evidence in accordance with international procedures and pursue legal action to obtain justice and reparations through the appropriate international bodies.
“We will also enhance cooperation with the relevant domestic and international bodies to implement the protective measures outlined in the Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention,” added the statement.
The ministry reiterated Cambodia’s unwavering commitment to the protection and preservation of cultural heritage, even in the face of armed aggression from the neighbouring nation.
