(Phnom Penh, 28th) The Cambodian Ministry of Culture has condemned the Thai military's ongoing shelling of the Preah Vihear Temple, a World Cultural Heritage site, stating that this action has caused severe damage to the relic, violated Cambodia's sovereignty, and breached multiple international laws.
On Sunday (July 27), the Cambodian Ministry of Culture issued a statement accusing Thailand's attack of not only threatening the structural integrity of the Preah Vihear Temple, but also endangering a shared heritage of humanity.
The statement said that most parts of the Preah Vihear Temple and surrounding area had suffered “serious and unprecedented” destruction. “Thailand's attacks have undermined the symbol of Cambodia's national identity, historical continuity, and spiritual heritage.”
Cambodia called on Thailand to immediately cease all military actions against the Preah Vihear Temple. Cambodia has also formally made an urgent request to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), calling for immediate intervention to protect the World Heritage Preah Vihear Temple tourist area threatened by military action.
The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia entered its fourth day on Sunday, with both sides continuing to exchange fire. Cambodian Ministry of Defense spokesperson Meas Sopheara stated that the Thai military began attacking surrounding areas of the conflict zone at 4:50 am. She issued a statement denying that the Cambodian side opened fire first, and accused Thailand of “deliberately and systematically launching aggressive acts”.
Meanwhile, Thai Army spokesperson Winthai stated that Cambodian troops began shelling border strategic areas—including Surin Province and Ubon Ratchathani Province—at 4 am, trying to retake military strongholds previously controlled by the Thai military.
The attacks damaged homes in Thai border areas, caused fires and safety risks, prompting Thai authorities to order the emergency evacuation of residents in existing Surin refugee shelters.
The Thai military stated that Cambodian forces had launched several rounds of shelling against Thailand since the early morning, and some of the targets were clearly civilian facilities, causing significant destruction and safety threats. This is in stark contrast to both sides' leaders' public statements of an “immediate ceasefire” the night before.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Sunday: “Cambodia's lack of sincerity and repeated violations of basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law make it impossible to reach a ceasefire agreement.”
The statement said that most parts of the Preah Vihear Temple and surrounding area had suffered “serious and unprecedented” destruction. “Thailand's attacks have undermined the symbol of Cambodia's national identity, historical continuity, and spiritual heritage.”
Cambodia called on Thailand to immediately cease all military actions against the Preah Vihear Temple. Cambodia has also formally made an urgent request to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), calling for immediate intervention to protect the World Heritage Preah Vihear Temple tourist area threatened by military action.
The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia entered its fourth day on Sunday, with both sides continuing to exchange fire. Cambodian Ministry of Defense spokesperson Meas Sopheara stated that the Thai military began attacking surrounding areas of the conflict zone at 4:50 am. She issued a statement denying that the Cambodian side opened fire first, and accused Thailand of “deliberately and systematically launching aggressive acts”.
Meanwhile, Thai Army spokesperson Winthai stated that Cambodian troops began shelling border strategic areas—including Surin Province and Ubon Ratchathani Province—at 4 am, trying to retake military strongholds previously controlled by the Thai military.
The attacks damaged homes in Thai border areas, caused fires and safety risks, prompting Thai authorities to order the emergency evacuation of residents in existing Surin refugee shelters.
The Thai military stated that Cambodian forces had launched several rounds of shelling against Thailand since the early morning, and some of the targets were clearly civilian facilities, causing significant destruction and safety threats. This is in stark contrast to both sides' leaders' public statements of an “immediate ceasefire” the night before.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Sunday: “Cambodia's lack of sincerity and repeated violations of basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law make it impossible to reach a ceasefire agreement.”
The Thai Army also denied rumors circulating on Cambodian social media which claimed that the King of Thailand had ordered the attack on Preah Vihear Temple.
The Thai-Cambodian border conflict has so far forced more than 150,000 civilians from both sides to flee the conflict areas, with at least 34 reported deaths. Thai sources reported 21 deaths, including eight soldiers, and more than 60 injured. The Cambodian side has so far reported 13 deaths, including five soldiers, and 70 injured.
On Sunday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict on the Thai-Cambodian border and called for both parties to immediately stop hostilities.
Guterres' deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq issued a statement saying the Secretary-General condemned the tragic and unnecessary loss of life, as well as the damage to houses and infrastructure, caused by the two countries' conflict.
“The Secretary-General urges both parties to immediately agree to a ceasefire and resolve any issues through dialogue, and to find a lasting solution. He stands ready to assist efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement of the dispute.”
The Thai-Cambodian border conflict has so far forced more than 150,000 civilians from both sides to flee the conflict areas, with at least 34 reported deaths. Thai sources reported 21 deaths, including eight soldiers, and more than 60 injured. The Cambodian side has so far reported 13 deaths, including five soldiers, and 70 injured.
On Sunday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict on the Thai-Cambodian border and called for both parties to immediately stop hostilities.
Guterres' deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq issued a statement saying the Secretary-General condemned the tragic and unnecessary loss of life, as well as the damage to houses and infrastructure, caused by the two countries' conflict.
“The Secretary-General urges both parties to immediately agree to a ceasefire and resolve any issues through dialogue, and to find a lasting solution. He stands ready to assist efforts aimed at a peaceful settlement of the dispute.”