AKP Phnom Penh, March 05, 2026 —

Cambodian Ministry of National Defence has coordinated a visit for foreign military attachés from 12 countries to Preah Vihear Temple and its surrounding areas in Preah Vihear province to observe damage caused during recent border hostilities.

According to H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defence, the visit took place on Mar. 5, at 11:10 a.m., in Sra’em commune, Choam Ksan district. The delegation inspected the UNESCO World Heritage Site and its surroundings suffered severe damage during attacks by Thai military forces.

The spokeswoman stated that two attacks involving a large number of heavy weapons—particularly aerial bombardments using drones and fighter jets—caused significant destruction to the physical structure of Preah Vihear Temple and nearby areas. She described the attacks as acts demonstrating disregard for cultural heritage and sacred sites of humanity, including the valuable legacy left by Khmer ancestors.

Assessments of damages between Dec. 7 and 27, 2025, conducted by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts found that destruction to the temple complex was more extensive than that recorded during earlier clashes in July 2025. Photographic and video documentation collected by the Preah Vihear National Authority during a mission on Dec. 28, 2025, identified 562 locations within the temple complex that sustained severe damage.

Despite the situation, Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and the ASEAN Charter.

The Royal Government reiterated its firm opposition to the threat or use of force and expressed its intention to pursue a just, impartial, and lasting solution, with the aim of ensuring peace, stability, and development for the peoples of both countries.

By C. Nika