AKP Phnom Penh, June 21, 2025 --

The construction of Siha Nakhon Temple at Wat Phu Man Fah in Thailand’s Buriram province—designed to replicate the architectural blueprint of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat—constitutes a violation of the identity and soul of Khmer culture, said H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts.

The issue was raised during the 40th Technical Session of the International Coordinating Committee for the Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Angkor and Sambor Prei Kuk (ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk), held on June 19-20 in Siem Reap province.

H.E. Dr. Phoeurng Sackona stressed that the replication of the iconic Angkor Wat Temple not only breaches the ethical standards of heritage conservation but also violates Thailand’s obligations as a State Party to the 1972 World Heritage Convention. She further emphasised that the act undermines the Outstanding Universal Value and authenticity of the Angkor site.

“This represents a serious lack of heritage ethics,” the Minister underlined.

Built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II (1112–1152 AD), Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a national symbol of Cambodia, featured prominently on the country's flag, and remains the Kingdom’s most significant cultural and tourist landmark.

By C. Nika