(Siem Reap): Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) Director General Heng Ratana said the bombing, shelling and drone attacks by Thai military on Preah Vihear Temple were deliberately planned and directed with the objective of damaging the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Heng Ratana made the remarks on Wednesday (Sep. 30) at the 11th Technical Session of the International Coordinating Committee for Preah Vihear (ICC-Preah Vihear) in Siem Reap, chaired by Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona.

According to Heng Ratana, the attacks involved clear planning, objectives and command. He added that restoring and maintaining the damaged temple would require considerable time, resources and technical expertise.

A joint UNESCO World Heritage Centre-ICOMOS advisory mission conducted from 1 to 6 March 2026, documented extensive damage resulting from the armed conflicts in July and December 2025, affecting the temple’s integrity, authenticity and Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).

According to the National Authority for Preah Vihear, 142 damaged locations were recorded following the July 2025 conflict and another 420 following the December conflict, bringing the total to 562.
=FRESH NEWS