AKP Phnom Penh, July 26, 2025 -- All 45 staff of the National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV) have successfully escaped after being trapped at Preah Vihear Temple for 45 hours amid Thai military attacks.

According to the NAPV’s press release AKP received this afternoon, 45 of the NAPV’s employees—including labourers, tourism agents, environmental workers, and security personnel—were trapped on the mountain of Preah Vihear Temple during their daily work due to an attack by Thai armed forces. The assault involved heavy artillery and bombing by F-16 aircraft on Preah Vihear Temple and surrounding areas, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on July 24, 2025.

At 10:00 p.m. on July 25, 2025, the source added, the NAPV coordinated with all staff to safely descend the mountain along the Ta Dy Cliff to Samdech Techo Eco Village. They then boarded a vehicle prepared by the NAPV and continued their journey to the NAPV headquarters at Koh Ker Temple, arriving safely at 6:00 a.m. on July 26, 2025, after being trapped on the mountain for 45 hours.

“We, the leaders and officials of the NAPV, would like to express our deepest gratitude to Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, as well as to the leaders of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, all relevant institutions, and the Preah Vihear provincial authority at all levels for their great attention to the well-being of our staff and their support in the rescue process from the moment they were trapped on the Preah Vihear Temple mountain until their safe rescue,” read the press release.

By C. Nika