AKP Phnom Penh, October 22, 2026 —

Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has rejected repeated allegations by Thai military authorities that Cambodia has used ancient temples for military purposes, while protesting activities undertaken by Thai forces and authorities at Cambodian cultural heritage sites along the border without Cambodia’s consent.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry said the allegations were unfounded, distorted the facts, misled the public and diverted attention from damage inflicted upon Cambodian cultural heritage by Thai armed forces.

The mMinistry reaffirmed that Cambodia’s ancient temples and archaeological sites serve cultural, historical, religious, conservation, research, educational and tourism purposes, not as military bases. It also reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to protecting its cultural heritage under the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1972 World Heritage Convention.

At the same time, Cambodia strongly protested the continued presence of Thai forces and unilateral activities by Thai authorities at Tamone Thom, Ta Krabey and K’nar temples, as well as other Cambodian archaeological sites along the border. The activities cited include demining operations, infrastructure and electricity-network development, restoration and construction projects, and other interventions.

According to the Ministry, such activities raise serious concerns over respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and risk prejudicing efforts to resolve outstanding border issues peacefully.

The statement also recalled the extensive damage inflicted upon the Temple of Preah Vihear and other Cambodian cultural heritage sites during the armed clashes in July and December 2025, stressing the need for restraint, accountability and full respect for international conventions protecting cultural property.

The Ministry called on Thai authorities to cease unfounded accusations, refrain from unilateral activities at Cambodian cultural heritage sites, respect Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolve outstanding issues through peaceful means and established bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

It also reiterated Cambodia’s call for the return of archaeological objects removed from K’nar Temple and taken to Thailand.

The Ministry stressed that Cambodia’s ancient temples are integral to the country’s national identity and form part of humanity’s shared heritage, calling for their protection and preservation in accordance with international law.

By C. Nika