(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation hosted a diplomatic briefing on the situation of Cambodian cultural sites along the Cambodia-Thailand border, according to a press release seen by Fresh News on Friday (May 22).
Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, delivered the briefing, which was attended by 44 heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited to Cambodia.
Phoeurng Sackona expressed her appreciation to the heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations for their presence and continued support for the peaceful settlement of Cambodia-Thailand border disputes.
She reaffirmed the legal basis for Cambodia's sovereignty over cultural sites occupied by Thai armed forces since December 2025, including Tamone Temple Complexes, Ta Krabey Temple, and Khnar Temple.
Phoeurng Sackona highlighted the extensive destruction inflicted on the Temple of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, as well as on other cultural monuments of outstanding universal value.
She emphasised that Thailand's activities at the Tamone Temple Complexes, Ta Krabey, and Khnar temple sites since the ceasefire of 27 December 2025 amount to unlawful assertions of Thai sovereignty. These activities include the conduct of religious ceremonies, visits to the sites by Thai cabinet members, unauthorised restoration work, the inclusion of the temples in Thailand's national heritage inventory and the installation of many permanent structures such as large Buddha statues.
Phoeurng Sackona affirmed that Cambodia has lodged several diplomatic protests and will continue to firmly oppose such unlawful activities, which seek to create a fait accompli on the ground and advance unfounded factual and legal claims over Cambodian cultural heritage.
She concluded the briefing by reaffirming Cambodia's consistent commitment to resolving the border dispute with Thailand through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and bilateral agreements. She further emphasised that peace between Cambodia and Thailand is essential to the harmony, unity, and progress of ASEAN and the region as a whole.
=FRESH NEWS
